Convening Circular and Synod Journal for the One Hundred and Seventeenth Session of The Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster
“Hold Fas t to What is Good”
May 26th & 27th 2017 at the Italian Cultural Centre, Vancouver
Table of Contents INTRODUCTION TO SYNOD AND PRAYER FOR SYNOD 3 OFFICERS OF SYNOD 4 INFORMATION FOR DELEGATES 6 SYNOD COMMITTEES 9 BISHOP ’S REPORT 10 DRAFT AGENDA 21 REPORTS 23 INTRODUCTION TO REPORTS 24 Diocesan Committees and Task Forces REPORT OF THE DIOCESAN COUNCIL 25 REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT , FINANCE AND PROPERTY 26 REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON MISSION AND MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT 27 REPORT OF THE MURRIN FUND 28 REPORT OF THE CONSTITUTION AND CANONS COMMITTEE 29 REPORT OF THE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP TO DIOCESAN COUNCIL 30 REPORT OF THE ASSESSMENT TASK FORCE OF DIOCESAN COUNCIL 32 REPORT OF THE BISHOP ’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON APPOINTMENTS 34 REPORT OF THE CATHEDRAL CHAPTER 35 Chaplaincy REPORT OF THE CHAPLAIN TO THE ST. MICHAEL ’S CENTRE & HOSPICE 36 REPORT OF THE CHAPLAIN TO UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE STUDENTS 37 REPORT OF THE CHAPLAIN AT VANCOUVER GENERAL HOSPITAL 38 care+share REPORT OF THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT MINISTRY COLLABORATION PROJECT 39 REPORT OF ST. PAUL ’S ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH 40 Unit and Wisdom Groups REPORT OF THE ANGLICAN CAN ASIAN MINISTRY (ACAM) GROUP 41 REPORT OF THE DIOCESAN YOUTH MOVEMENT (DYM) 42 REPORT OF THE ECO -JUSTICE UNIT 44 REPORT OF THE ECUMENICAL AND MULTI -FAITH UNIT 45 REPORT OF THE PRIMATE ’S WORLD RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT FUND UNIT 46 REPORT OF THE REFUGEE UNIT 47 Related Groups REPORT OF THE 127 HOUSING SOCIETY 48 REPORT OF THE CAMP ARTABAN SOCIETY 49 REPORT OF THE COMING HOME SOCIETY 50 REPORT OF THE MISSION TO SEAFARERS 51 REPORT OF THE SORRENTO RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTRE 52 REPORT OF THE VANCOUVER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY 53 Other Reports REPORT OF THE SOCIETY OF ANGLICAN CHURCH WOMEN 54 REPORT OF THE DIOCESAN ARCHIVIST 55 REPORT OF THE DIOCESAN SCHOOL FOR PARISH DEVELOPMENT 56 REPORT OF THE DELEGATES TO GENERAL SYNOD 57 REPORT OF THE EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY PROGRAM 58 REPORT OF THE INDIGENOUS JUSTICE MINISTRIES 58 REPORT OF THE SALAL +C EDAR WATERSHED DISCIPLESHIP COMMUNITY 60 REPORT OF THE STREET OUTREACH INITIATIVE 61
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Synod Convening Circular 2017 2 MINUTES OF THE 116 TH SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF NEW WESTMINSTER 62 RESOLUTIONS 76 / R.1 MEMORIALS 78 NOMINATIONS 82
Introduction to Synod
The theme for Synod 2017 is " Hold Fast to What is Good ”. This quote from 1 Thessalonians 5:21 is meant to encourage all parishes of the Diocese of New Westminster to reinvest in growing communities of faith in Jesus Christ to serve God’s mission in the world. The theme draws our attention to four areas in our Diocesan Vision Priorities: 1) to walk with Indigenous Peoples through the exploration of First Peoples Learning Principles; 2) to ensure Financial Stability by using innovative approaches to meet our current and future challenges; 3) to commit to Engaging Diversity through the awareness of anti-racism, and 4) to celebrating the successes of Developing Parishes. Interactive presentations, table discussions and feed- back will be used to foster an atmosphere of learning, discovery and dialogue. And we are also pleased that Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada has kindly agreed to lead Synod at Morning Prayer and preach on these subjects on Saturday.
Prayer for Synod
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in the Synod of this diocese for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honour and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen .
3 Synod Convening Circular 2017
The Diocese of New Westminster Officers of Synod
President of the Synod The Right Reverend Melissa M. Skelton
Dean of the Diocese The Very Reverend Peter G. Elliott
Chancellor Mr. George E. H. Cadman, Q.C.
Registrar Legal Assessor Mr. Donald N. Paul Ms. Jennifer Dezell
Clerical Secretary Lay Secretary The Reverend Christine Wilson Ms. Kim Hodge
Treasurer Auditors Mr. Bob Hardy Rolfe Benson & Co.
Synod Convening Circular 2017 4
The Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster One Hundred and Seventeenth Session of Synod
To be held at the ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTRE in the City of Vancouver on May 26th & 27th, 2017
Circular
Vancouver, B.C. April 13, 2017
Dear Sir/Madam:
We are instructed by the Bishop of New Westminster to inform you that in accordance with Article 3 of the Constitution, she summons the Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster to meet on Friday, May 26 th , 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at the Italian Cultural Centre (3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver) beginning with Holy Eucharist. Synod will re-convene at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 27 th , 2017 with Morning Prayer again at the Italian Cultural Centre.
In accordance with Article 3.1 this session of Synod will elect the Clerical Secretary of Synod, the Lay Secretary of Synod, Treasurer, members of Diocesan Council, clergy and lay delegates to General Synod, clergy and lay delegates to Provincial Synod, members of the Bishop's Advisory Committee on Appointments, members of the Board of Discipline and Administrators of the Anglican Initiatives Fund. Nominations for all positions will close on Friday, May 26 th , 2017 at 2 pm.
The Rev. Christine Wilson Ms. Kim Hodge Clerical Secretary Lay Secretary
5 Synod Convening Circular 2017 Information for Delegates
Registration Registration will start at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 26th at the Italian Cultural Centre. Clergy and Lay Delegates are required to register as early as possible to avoid last minute congestion. Registration concludes at 9:45 a.m. When delegates have registered, they are asked to leave the registration area. All delegates are required to register before Synod begins.
Late registration on Saturday, May 27 th will be from 7:30 a.m. to 8:55 a.m. at the Italian Cultural Centre.
Each parish may register only the number of delegates to which it is entitled. Each Lay Delegate attending Synod will receive a Lay Delegate's Certificate which is to be signed by the Priest in Charge or Peoples’ Warden of the parish and the attending delegate and submitted to the registration clerk at the time of registration.
If an Alternate Delegate is attending Synod, such Alternate must receive the certificate from the delegate, and correct the name before registering. Please also ensure that the Alternate Delegate has been given access to the Convening Circular material in advance of the Synod meeting.
When the full quota of delegates from a parish has registered, no substitutes for the parish may be made, even if some of those who have registered are unable to attend all Sessions of Synod.
Opening Worship The Archdeacons, Regional Deans and Dean are asked to vest for the Opening Worship service on Friday morning.
Transportation Allowance Ferry costs will be met for delegates from Powell River and the Sechelt Peninsula. Those travelling from beyond Horseshoe Bay and east of a line through Maple Ridge/Langley are eligible for partial reimbursement of travel expenses. Delegates should arrange to come in car-pools. Mileage and ferry costs will be paid on that basis. Claims for transportation should be mailed to the Diocesan Business Administrator at the Synod Office immediately following Synod.
Synod 2017 Location Synod will be held at the Italian Cultural Centre, May 26 th and 27 th , 2017. All events will be held at this location. The Italian Cultural Centre is located at 3075 Slocan Street (at Grandview Highway) Vancouver, B.C. V5M 3E4.
The nearest Skytrain station is Renfrew Station, on the Millennium Line. There is ample parking on site, and the building is wheelchair accessible. As our event is being held at the end of May, we expect to be using air conditioning in our meeting space. It is always a challenge to find the perfect temperature for a large number of people; you may need a light sweater or wrap if the air conditioning is cool for you.
Meals Lunch will be provided on both days, but please be advised that there will be no food served up on arrival on Friday or Saturday morning . On Friday evening, there will also be a canapés reception for delegates, which will give us an additional chance to get to know each other and catch up.
Synod Convening Circular 2017 6 There will be a no-host bar on Friday night, and drink tickets will be sold at lunch time. While credit card payments are possible, cash is much appreciated as it is much faster to process. You will spend less time in line, and more time enjoying your meal and your conversations.
Attendance All delegates are urged to make every effort to be present at all times during all sessions of Synod beginning with the official opening service "Diocesan Eucharist and Celebration of Synod" at the Italian Cultural Centre on Friday, May 26 th , at 9. 00 a.m.
Sessions Synod will assemble at the Italian Cultural Centre for the opening worship at 9:00 a.m. After the worship service the opening business session will begin. The Friday session will also include several presentations and an evening reception. The Friday meeting will finish at approximately 7:00 p.m. Synod will re-convene on Saturday, at the Italian Cultural Centre, at 9:00 a.m. and continue until approximately 4:00 p.m.
Constitution of Synod The Synod is the Parliament of the Church. It is the body in which is vested the power to transact all business done by the Church in the Diocese. It also has the right to initiate action in some matters pertaining to Church policy, to endorse or veto others, and in general, to act as a consultative body to advise and assist the Bishop and the Diocesan Officers.
Quorum of Synod A Quorum of Synod shall consist of the “Bishop or the Bishop's Commissary and not less than one- fourth of the Licensed Clergy of the Diocese, and not less than one-fourth of the Lay Delegates entitled to take part in the proceedings”. Article 3 (33)
Procedure While it is essential that a Synod should exercise some measure of freedom in the conduct of its gatherings, it is also of great importance that all things be done “decently and in order”. To attain that end, certain rules and regulations are followed.
It is hoped that movement in and out of the plenary floor during the sessions will be held to a minimum. Every effort should be made to keep the noise level low. Not only does unnecessary whispering and movement distract the attention of others, but it is also discourteous to the speakers.
Rules of Order The Rules of Order that prevail during sessions are those common to parliamentary debate. These are summarized in the Constitution, Canons and Rules of Order of this Diocese. Clergy and Parishes have been provided with copies.
Speaking fro m the Floor To address Synod, a delegate must rise and address all remarks to the Chair. Name and parish must be stated clearly at the commencement of the remarks. Microphones are provided and are to be used so that all may hear what is said.
7 Synod Convening Circular 2017 Resolutions All Resolutions must be submitted in duplicate, signed by the mover and seconder, and given to the Chairperson of the Resolutions Committee via the Synod Office. Regular updates of Resolutions will be posted on the Diocesan website (http://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/diocesan- ministries/synod).
Positions to be Elected at Synod
Diocesan Treasurer – Article 4(42) One person to be elected by Synod
Secretaries of Synod – Article 4 (41) One Clerical Secretary and one Lay Secretary are to be elected. Voting is the same as Board of Discipline.
Archdeaconry Representatives to Diocesan Council There are two Archdeaconry Representatives (one Clergy and one Lay) elected in each of six archdeaconries. At Synod, the registered Delegates of each Archdeaconry vote to elect members to Council from their own Archdeaconry. Please note that terms are for two years.
Youth Representatives to Diocesan Council Two Youth Representatives (aged 15-25 on May 26 th 2017) are elected to serve a two-year term.
Board of Discipline – Canon 42 para.4202:2 Three Priests and three Laypersons, to be elected by Synod; Clergy to have been in Priests' Orders ten years or have two years standing in the Diocese. Laypersons to be 26 years old or upward, and communicants of at least three years standing in the Diocese. • Lay vote for both • Clergy vote for both • Houses (clergy & lay) Vote separately • Votes are cast in two separate ballot boxes (1 for clergy, 1 for lay)
Bishop's Advisory Committee on Appointments – Canon 5, para.501 Three clergy persons for a two year term. Three lay persons for a two year term. Clergy delegates vote only for the clergy position and the lay delegates vote only for the lay position.
Anglican Initiatives Fund – Regulation 21 - 2:6 One clerical and one lay Administrator for a term ending upon the final adjournment of the next regular Synod following their election.
Provincial Synod Delegates Two c lerical delegates and two clerical alternate delegates And Three lay delegates and three lay alternate delegates are to be elected.
Synod Convening Circular 2017 8 General Synod Delegates Three clerical delegates and three clerical alternate delegates And Three lay delegates and three lay alternate delegate And One youth delegate and one youth alternate delegate (both aged 16-25 in July 2019) are to be elected.
Synod Committees
The Bishop announces the appointment of the following Synod Committees. Matters affecting any of these Committees should be referred directly to the Chairperson.
Organization /Agenda Committee Mr. Simon Johnston (Co-Chair) Ms. Frances Fagan (Co-Chair) Mr. Phil Colvin Mr. Robert Dickson Mr. Randy Murray The Venerable Douglas Fenton Mr. Bill Siksay The Right Reverend Melissa Skelton Ms. Rachel Taylor
Resolutions Committee The Reverend Paulina Lee (Chair)
Nominating Committee Credentials Committee The Venerable Elizabeth Northcott (Chair) Mr. Donald N. Paul (Chair) The Reverend Justin Cheng Ms. Margaret Briscall The Reverend Lucy Price The Reverend Clare Morgan The Reverend Mark Munn
Committee on Memorials Registration Committee The Reverend Eric Mason Ms. Kim Hodge (Chair)
Vote of Thanks The Reverend Lucy Price
Committee on Messages The Reverend David Edgerton
Returning Officer Ms. Susan Tufts
9 Synod Convening Circular 2017 Bishop’s Report April 2, 2015 to April 1, 2017
Ordinations The Revd Helen Pauline Lingham, ordained to the Vocation Diaconate, June 28, 2015. The Revd Clare Elisabeth Morgan, ordained to the Transitional Diaconate, June 28, 2015. The Revd John Paul Richards, ordained to the Vocational Diaconate, June 28, 2015. The Revd Alexander Shaun Wilson, ordained to the Transitional Diaconate, June 28, 2015. The Revd Patricia Anne Ratcliffe, ordained to the Vocational Diaconate, June 18, 2016. The Revd Mary Elizabeth Hamel, ordained to the Priesthood, June 18, 2016. The Revd Clare Elisabeth Morgan, ordained to the Priesthood, June 18, 2016. The Revd Alexander Shaun Wilson, ordained to the Priesthood, June 18, 2016. The Revd Ross Cameron Bliss, ordained to the Transitional Diaconate, June 18, 2016. The Revd Mark Richard Munn, ordained to the Transitional Diaconate, June 18, 2016. The Revd Lucy Jane Price, ordained to the Transitional Diaconate, June 18, 2016.
Received from Other Dioceses The Revd Elizabeth Mary Ruder-Celiz, transferred from the Diocese of Kootenay, effective April 27, 2016. The Revd Peter Charles Gordon Smyth, transferred from the Diocese of Algoma, effective September 1, 2016. The Revd Canon Jonathan Wilford Lloyd, transferred from the Diocese of Canterbury (UK), effective October 1, 2016. The Revd David Malcolm Edgerton, transferred from the Diocese of Birmingham (UK), effective October 31, 2016. The Revd Gregory Saw Law La, transferred from the Diocese of Hpa’an (Myanmar), effective January 7, 2017. The Revd Arvin Baing Amayag, transferred from the Diocese of Northern Philippines (Philippines), effective January 31, 2017. The Revd Justin Philip Cheng, transferred from the Diocese of British Columbia, effective February 1, 2017. The Revd Canon Kevin Hunt, transferred from the Diocese of Newcastle (UK), effective February 17, 2017.
Transferred to Other Dioceses The Revd Craig Douglas Vance, transferred to the Diocese of Hawaii (USA), effective May 26, 2016. The Revd Ann Electa Turner, transferred to Diocese of Niagara, effective May 28, 2015. The Revd Gertrude Phyllis Lebans, transferred to the Diocese of Niagara, effective January 17, 2017. The Revd William Arthur Roberts, transferred to the Diocese of Niagara, effective April 1, 2017.
Recognition of Orders The Revd Ayoob Shawkat Adwar, from the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq, effective March 26, 2017.
Synod Convening Circular 2017 10 Special Resignations/Appo intments The Revd John Mash and Mrs Dorothy Mash, appointed Chaplains to Retired Clergy, effective April 17, 2015. The Revd Ellen Clark-King, appointed Director for Diaconal Formation, effective May 21, 2015 for a two year term. The Venerable Bruce Morris, appointed Archdeacon for Deacons, effective May 22, 2015. The Revd Andrew Wilhelm-Boyles, appointed Diocesan Coordinator for Education for Ministry (EfM), effective May 27, 2015. The Venerable Robert Harrison Grant Rodgers, appointed, Director of Anglican Formation, Vancouver School of Theology, effective August 1, 2015. The Venerable Grant Rodgers, term completed, Chair, Ecumenical and Multifaith Unit, effective September 23, 2015. The Revd Robin Andrew Celiz, appointed Chair, Ecumenical and Multifaith Unit, effective September 23, 2015. The Revd Charles Edward Balfour, resigned, Regional Dean, Golden Ears Deanery, effective December 31, 2015. The Revd Paul Michael Bowie, appointed, Regional Dean of Golden Ears, effective January 1, 2016. The Revd Gordon William Dominey, placed on administrative leave, effective February 5, 2016. The Venerable Philippa Segrave-Pride, appointed, Archdeacon of Burrard, effective March 1, 2016. The Venerable Karen Jane Urquhart, appointed, Archdeacon of Lougheed, effective March 1, 2016. Captain Gordon Houston, resigned, Chair, Board of Directors, Mission to Seafarers, May 19, 2016. Captain Stephen Brown, appointed Chair, Board of Directors, Mission to Seafarers, May 24, 2016. The Revd Jeremy Norman Clark-King, reappointed, Regional Dean of Point Grey, June 13, 2016. The Revd Clarence Wing-On Li, reappointed, Regional Dean of Sea to Sky, June 13, 2016. The Revd Stephanie Eileen Shepard, reappointed, Regional Dean of Tri-Cities-North Burnaby, June 13, 2016. The Revd Faun Heather Harriman, resigned as Regional Dean of Royal City-South Burnaby, effective June 30, 2016. The Revd Gordon William Barrett, Deacon, appointed Regional Dean of Royal City-South Burnaby, effective July 1, 2016. The Revd Ellen Jane Clark-King, resigned, Diocesan Director for Diaconal Formation, effective October 31, 2016. The Revd Sharon Salomons, appointed Director of Diaconal Formation, effective November 19, 2016. The Revd Jeremy Norman Clark-King, resigned, Regional Dean of Point Grey, effective December 31, 2016. The Venerable Lynne Elizabeth McNaughton, term completed, Archdeacon of Capilano, effective December 31, 2016. The Venerable Stephen Douglas Muir, appointed Archdeacon of Capilano, effective January 1, 2017. The Revd Patrick Harvey Blaney, appointed Regional Dean, North Vancouver Deanery, effective January 1, 2017. The Revd Allan Gregory Carson, appointed Regional Dean, The Valley Deanery, effective January 1, 2017. The Revd Christine Rowe, appointed Regional Dean, Point Grey Deanery, effective January 1, 2017. The Revd Richard Leggett, reappointed Regional Dean, Granville Deanery, effective February 24, 2017. The Revd Mary Elizabeth Hamel, resigned, Anglican Chaplain, Vancouver General Hospital, effective February 28, 2017.
11 Synod Convening Circular 2017 Appointments within the Diocese The Revd Timothy Joseph Dutcher-Walls, appointed Priest-in-Charge, St Oswald, Port Kells, effective April 8, 2015. The Revd John Frederick Sovereign, appointment extended as Rector, St Thomas, Chilliwack, effective April 30, 2015 to April 30, 2016. The Revd Lars Otto Daniel Westin, appointed Priest-in-Charge (Vicar), Christ Church, Hope, effective May 1, 2015. The Revd Ellen Jane Clark-King, appointed Assistant to the Rector, Christ Church Cathedral, effective May 15, 2015. The Revd Canon Kevin Hunt, appointed Interim Priest-in-Charge, St James, Vancouver, effective June 1, 2015. The Revd Alain-Michel Rocheleau, appointed Assistant to the Rector (Non-stipendiary), St Paul, Vancouver, effective June 1, 2015. The Revd Robert David Price, appointed Priest-in-Charge (Pro Tem), Christ Church, Hope, effective June 25, 2015. The Revd David Matthew Taylor appointed Rector, St Dunstan, Aldergrove, effective June 28, 2015. The Revd Helen Pauline Lingham, appointed Deacon, St Andrew, Langley, effective June 28, 2015. The Revd John Paul Richards, appointed Deacon, Holy Trinity, White Rock, effective June 28, 2015. The Revd Laurel Ans Dykstra, appointed Priest-in-Charge, Salal and Cedar Watershed Discipleship Ministry, effective July 1, 2015. The Revd Clare Elisabeth Morgan, appointed Assistant Curate, St Philip, Vancouver, effective July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2017. The Revd Alexander Shaun Wilson, appointed Assistant Curate, St Anselm, Vancouver, effective July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2017. The Revd Gary Hamblin, appointment extended, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Stephen the Martyr, Burnaby, effective August 1, 2015 to 31 July 31, 2016. The Venerable Elizabeth Anne Northcott, appointed Priest-in-Charge, St David, Delta, effective August 1, 2015. The Revd Vivian Lam, appointment extended, Priest-in-Charge, St Matthias and St Luke, Oakridge, effective September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2017. The Revd Gordon William Dominey, appointed Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Catherine, Capilano, effective September 1, 2015. The Revd Elizabeth Mary Ruder-Celiz, appointed Interim Priest-in-Charge, St John, Shaughnessy, effective September 16, 2015. The Revd Paul Richard Woehrle, appointed Rector, St Cuthbert, Delta, effective October 1, 2015. The Revd Christine Elizabeth Rowe, appointed Assistant to the Rector, St Mary, Kerrisdale, effective October 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016. The Revd Katherine Kim Lian Yeo, appointed Deacon, St Matthias and St Luke, Vancouver, effective October 5, 2015. The Revd Arvin Baing Amayag, appointed Assistant to the Rector (Non-Stipendiary), St Matthias and St Luke, effective October 15, 2015. The Revd Christine Elizabeth Rowe, appointed, Assistant to the Rector, St Mary, Kerrisdale, effective January 1, 2016. The Revd Nicholas John Parker, appointed, Priest-in-Charge, St John the Divine, Squamish, effective January 1, 2016. The Revd John William Marsh, appointed Rector, St Mary Magdalene, Vancouver, effective January 13, 2016. The Revd David Malcolm Edgerton, appointed Rector, St George, Maple Ridge, effective January 15, 2016.
Synod Convening Circular 2017 12 The Revd John Lawrence Firmston, appointed, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Alban, Richmond, effective February 1, 2016. The Revd John Patrick Mash, appointed, Assistant to the Rector, St Mark, Ocean Park, effective February 1, 2016. The Revd Marlece Roberta Peterson, appointed, Assistant to the Rector, Christ Church Cathedral, effective February 3, 2016. The Revd Denise Lynn Doerksen, appointed, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St David, Delta, effective February 16, 2016. The Revd Georgina Dale, Harris, appointed, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St John the Divine, Maple Ridge, effective March 1, 2016. The Revd Maggie Rose Muldoon, appointed, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Mary the Virgin, Sapperton, effective March 1, 2016. The Revd Timothy Joseph Dutcher-Walls, reappointed Priest-in-Charge (Vicar), St Oswald, Port Kells, effective April 1, 2016. The Revd Keith Webster Leroy Gilbert, appointed Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Catherine, Capilano, effective April 1, 2016. The Revd Richard John Henry Hergesheimer, appointed, Temporary Priest-in-Charge, St Hilda, Sechelt, effective April 1, 2016 to July 31, 2016. The Revd Elizabeth Mary Ruder-Celiz, appointed Assistant to the Rector, St Mary, Kerrisdale, effective April 16, 2016. The Revd Sharon Denise Salomons, appointed Assistant Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Catherine, Capilano, effective April 1, 2016. The Venerable John Robert Stephens, appointed, Rector, St John, Shaughnessy, effective April 16, 2016. The Venerable William John Bailey, appointed Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Philip, Dunbar, effective May 1, 2016. The Revd Patrick Blaney, appointment extended, Priest-in-Charge (Vicar), St John the Evangelist, North Vancouver, effective May 1, 2016. The Revd Randolph Frederick Bruce, appointed Priest-in-Charge, Christ the Redeemer, effective May 16, 2016. The Revd Stephen Douglas Bailey, appointed Deacon, St Mark, Ocean Park, effective May 24, 2016. The Revd Mary Elizabeth Hamel, appointed Assistant Curate, St John, Shaughnessy, effective July 1, 2016. The Revd Mark Richard Munn, appointed Assistant Curate, St Anne, Steveston, effective July 1, 2016. The Revd Lucy Jane Price, appointed Honorary Deacon Assistant, St James, Vancouver, effective July 1, 2016. The Revd Patricia Anne Ratcliffe, appointed Deacon, St Catherine of Alexandria, Port Coquitlam, effective July 1, 2016. The Revd Connie Lynn Wilks, appointed Deacon, All Saints, Mission, effective August 4, 2016. The Revd Faun Heather Harriman, appointed, Priest-in-Charge, St David and St Paul, Powell River, effective September 1, 2016. The Revd Eric Stephen Mason, appointed Rector, St Laurence, Coquitlam, effective September 1, 2016. The Revd Peter Charles Gordon Smyth, appointed Senior Port Chaplain, Mission to Seafarers, effective September 1, 2016. The Revd Lucy Jane Price, appointed Assistant Curate, St James, Vancouver, effective September 1, 2016. The Revd Brian John Heinrich, appointed Priest-in-Charge (Vicar), St Bartholomew, Gibsons, effective October 1, 2016. The Revd Canon Jonathan Wilford Lloyd, appointed Rector, St Stephen, West Vancouver, effective October 1, 2016.
13 Synod Convening Circular 2017 The Revd Pitman Benjamin Potter, appointed, Deacon, Archdeaconry of Vancouver, effective October 1, 2016. The Revd Alexander Shaun Wilson, appointed Priest-in-Charge (Vicar), St Anselm, Vancouver, effective July 1, 2016. The Revd Roberta Mary Fraser, appointed, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Alban the Martyr, Burnaby, effective November 1, 2016. The Revd Robert Harrison Grant Rodgers, appointed Priest-in-Charge (Vicar), Christ the Redeemer, Surrey, effective November 1, 2016. The Revd April Marlene Stanley, appointed Priest-in-Charge (Vicar), St Stephen the Martyr, Burnaby, effective November 1, 2016. The Revd Helen Doris Tervo, appointed, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Andrew, Langley, effective November 1, 2016. The Revd Dixie Sharron Black, appointed Deacon, Christ Church Cathedral, effective November 3, 2016. The Revd Elizabeth Ann Lindsay, appointed Deacon, St Agnes, North Vancouver, effective November 3, 2016. The Revd William Andrew Wilhelm Boyles, appointed Deacon, Christ Church Cathedral, effective November 3, 2016. The Venerable Philippa Louise Segrave-Pride, appointed Assistant to the Rector (Interim Vicar), Christ Church Cathedral, effective November 6, 2016. The Revd Allan Gregory Carson, appointed Priest-in-Charge, Christ Church, Hope, effective November 17, 2016. The Revd Larry Wayne Adkins, appointed Deacon, St John the Baptist, Sardis, effective December 6, 2016. The Revd Melanie Calabrigo, appointed Assistant to the Rector, St Faith, Vancouver, effective January 1, 2017. The Revd Stephanie Eileen Shepard, appointed Interim Priest-in-Charge, St John the Apostle, Port Moody, effective January 1, 2017. The Revd Muriel Shirley Grace Stockdill, appointed Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Mary, Kerrisdale, effective January 1, 2017. The Revd Arvin Baing Amayag, appointed Priest-in-Charge (Vicar), St Mary the Virgin, Sapperton, effective February 1, 2017. The Revd Justin Philip Cheng, appointed Priest-in-Charge (Vicar), All Saints, South Burnaby, effective February 1, 2017. The Revd Canon Kevin Hunt, appointed Rector, St James, Vancouver, effective February 1, 2017. The Revd Maggie Rose Muldoon, appointed Priest-in-Charge, St Alban, Richmond, effective February 1, 2017. The Revd Ruth Alta Monette, appointed Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Timothy, Burnaby, effective February 15, 2017. The Revd Mary Christine Magrega, appointed Deacon, St Augustine, Marpole, effective March 13, 2017. The Revd Eric Stroo, appointed Deacon, St Michael, Vancouver, effective March 14, 2017.
Resignations / Term Completed within the Diocese The Revd Gail Dianne Newell, resigned as Priest-in-Charge (Vicar), Christ Church, Hope, effective April 30, 2015. The Revd Stephen Douglas Bailey, retired as Deacon, St Laurence, Coquitlam, effective May 15, 2015. The Revd Adela Torchia, resigned as Priest-in-Charge (Vicar), St David and St Paul, Powell River, effective May 18, 2015. The Venerable John Thomas Struthers, retired, Archdeacon of Deacons and Director of Deacons, May 23, 2015.
Synod Convening Circular 2017 14 The Revd Alexis Saunders, term completed as Assistant to the Priest-in-Charge, St James, Vancouver, effective June 15, 2015. The Venerable Gordon Douglas Fenton, term completed, Priest-in-Charge, St James, Vancouver, effective June 25, 2015. The Revd Helen Doris Tervo, term completed, Interim Priest-in-Charge (Vicar), St Dunstan, Aldergrove, June 27, 2015. The Revd Paula Kathryn Sampson, retired as Director of Native Ministries and Assistant Professor of Ethics and First Nations Studies, Vancouver School of Theology, effective June 30, 2015. The Revd Lars Otto Daniel Westin, term completed, Priest-in-Charge, Christ Church, Hope, effective June 30, 2015. The Revd Christine Elizabeth Rowe, resigned as Rector, St Catherine, Capilano, effective July 31, 2015. The Revd Michael George Fuller, resigned as Rector, St John, Shaughnessy, effective August 31, 2015. The Revd Margaret Leota Cornish, resigned, Rector, St Alban, Richmond, effective September 30, 2015. The Revd Arthur John Nash, term completed, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Cuthbert, Delta, effective September 30, 2015. The Revd Connie Lynn Wilks, resigned, Deacon, Church of the Epiphany, Surrey, effective December 22, 2015. The Revd Charles Edward Balfour, resigned, Rector, St John the Divine, Maple Ridge, effective December 31, 2015. The Revd Charles Edward Balfour, resigned, Regional Dean of Golden Ears, effective December 31, 2015. The Revd Nicholas John Parker, resigned, Chaplain, Mission to Seafarers, effective December 31. 2015. The Revd William Gordon Shields, resigned, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St George, Maple Ridge, effective January 14, 2016. The Revd Pittman Benjamin Potter, resigned, Deacon, St Helen, Vancouver, effective January 20, 2016. The Revd Denise Lynn Doerksen, resigned, Assistant to the Rector, St Mark, Ocean Park, effective February 16, 2016. The Venerable Gordon Douglas Fenton, term completed, Archdeacon of Burrard, effective February 29, 2016. The Revd Robert Harrison Grant Rodgers, term completed, Archdeacon of Lougheed, effective February 29, 2016. The Revd Marlece Roberta Peterson, term completed, Ministry Resource Associate, Synod Office, effective February 29, 2016. The Revd Paul Herbert Borthistle, resigned, Interim Priest-in-Charge, Christ the Redeemer, Surrey, effective May 31, 2016. The Revd Canon Harold Thomas Munn, resigned, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Anselm, Vancouver, effective June 30, 2016. The Revd Gary Wayne Hamblin, term completed, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Stephen the Martyr, Burnaby, effective July 31, 2016. The Revd Muriel Shirley Grace Stockdill, resigned, Priest-in-Charge (Vicar), All Saints, South Burnaby, effective July 31, 2016. The Revd Faun Heather Harriman, resigned, Rector, St Alban the Martyr, Burnaby, effective August 31, 2016. The Revd Arvin Baing Amayag, resigned, Assistant to the Rector, St Matthias and St Luke, Vancouver, effective September 30, 2016. The Revd Roberta Mary Fraser, term completed, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Stephen, West Vancouver, effective September 30, 2016. The Revd Vida Jone Jaugelis, resigned, Assistant to the Rector, St David, Delta, effective September 30, 2016. 15 Synod Convening Circular 2017 The Revd Ian Robert Nestegaard-Paul, resigned, Priest-in-Charge (Vicar), St Bartholomew, Gibsons, effective September 30, 2016. The Revd Paula Lee Porter-Leggett, resigned, Rector, St Andrew, Langley, effective September 30, 2016. The Revd Randolph Frederick Bruce, term completed, Priest-in-Charge, Christ the Redeemer, Surrey, effective October 31, 2016. The Revd Robert Harrison Grant Rodgers, resigned, Rector, St John the Divine, Port Moody, effective October 31, 2016. The Revd Ellen Jane Clark-King, resigned, Assistant to the Rector, Christ Church Cathedral, effective November 30, 2016. The Revd Robert David Price, resigned, Priest-in-Charge (Pro Tem), Christ Church, Hope, effective November 16, 2016. The Revd Jeremy Norman Clark-King, resigned, Rector, St Mary, Kerrisdale, effective December 31, 2016. The Revd Stephanie Eileen Shepard, resigned, Rector, St Timothy, Burnaby, effective December 31, 2016. The Revd John Lawrence Firmston, term completed, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Alban, Richmond, effective January 31, 2017. The Revd Maggie Rose Muldoon, term completed, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Mary the Virgin, Sapperton, effective January 31, 2017. The Revd Ruth Monette, resigned, Director of Mission and Ministry Development, Synod Office, effective February 14, 2017. The Revd Linda Doreen Varin, retired, Deacon, St Dunstan, Aldergrove, effective February 19, 2017.
Relinquishment/Abandonment The Revd James Ronald Gibbs, voluntarily relinquished exercise of ministry, effective June 25, 2015. The Revd Eugene Mbuya Kibundji, abandoned the exercise of the Ministry, effective September 16, 2015. The Revd Michael Collins Forshaw, voluntarily relinquished the exercise of ministry, effective April 4, 2016.
Synod Office Staff Mr Robert Hall, Verger (with St John, Shaughnessy), effective March 14, 2016. Ms Sandra Stevenson, Administrative Assistant, resigned effective July 12, 2016. Mr Robert Hall, Verger, resigned, effective September 30, 2016. Ms Amy Thorogood, Verger (with St John, Shaughnessy), appointed, effective October 16, 2016. Ms Rachel Taylor, appointed Administrative Assistant, Synod Office, effective February 6, 2017.
Acts of Dedication (March 30, 2014 to April 1, 2017) Consecration of Chrism, Christ Church Cathedral, April 15, 2014. Rededication of a statue of St David (received from the closed parish of St David of Wales, Vancouver), St David, Delta, July 6, 2014. Blessing of a pair of candle sticks given in memory of Isobel Karst by her husband George Karst, Christ Church, Hope, September 7, 2014. Dedication of the extension of St Hilda’s Annex and the newly renovated Parish Hall, St Hilda, Sechelt, September 21, 2014. Blessing of the newly restored Baptismal, gongs from the Philippines and a 125th Anniversary plaque, St Michael, Vancouver, September 28, 2014. Blessing of the Animals, St Matthew, Abbotsford, October 5, 2014.
Synod Convening Circular 2017 16 House Blessing at the home of The Right Revd Michael Ingham and Ms Nancy Southam, December 23, 2014. Dedication and Blessing of wall plaques with the names of those whose remains are in the Memorial Garden, St Faith, Vancouver, January 4, 2015. Dedication of prayer shawls and dedicated the outside painting of the church in memory of The Revd H. Jerry-Cooper and Thomas and Mary Tyson, St Thomas, Chilliwack, January 11, 2015. Blessing of the Street Outreach Worker, the Director of the Advocacy Office, and their volunteers, St Paul, Vancouver, March 8, 2015. Consecration of Chrism, Christ Church Cathedral, March 31, 2015. Blessing of Cathedral renovation construction site (bell tower, roof and kitchen), Christ Church Cathedral, April 5, 2015. Blessing of new hymnals, St David and St Paul, Powell River, April 12, 2015. Blessing and Dedication of New Synod Offices, 1410 Nanton Avenue, Vancouver, September 13, 2015. Blessing of renovated hall washrooms, basement meeting room and office, St Martin, North Vancouver, September 29, 2015. Blessing of the Animals, All Saints, Mission, October 4, 2015. Blessing of red stole and chasuble made by a parishioner and dedication of a new organ and four connecting bells, Christ Church, Hope, November 8, 2015. Blessing of the Font, Ambo, and Altar, St Clement, North Vancouver, November 22, 2015. Blessing of an Advent blue Burse and Veil created by Susan Fiddick, All Saints, Ladner, December 13, 2015. Blessing of two new boilers, St Matthias and St Luke, Vancouver, January 10, 2016. Blessing of wood for a new memorial plaque to list the names of those whose remains are in the Memorial Garden, St Agnes, North Vancouver, January 17, 2016. House Blessing at the home of Glen and Christine Mitchell, Vancouver, March 15, 2016. Consecration of Chrism and Oil of Healing, Christ Church Cathedral, March 22, 2016. Consecration of a new font, All Saints, South Burnaby, April 10, 2016. Blessing of a gingko tree as a sign of God’s calling to a new future, St John’s Shaughnessy, May 15, 2016. Blessing of the refurbished sanctuary (post-fire), St Alban the Martyr, Burnaby, May 17, 2016. Blessing of a new Memorial Garden sign created by David Locke in memory of Bjorn (Bud) Hjorleifson, Holy Spirit, Whonnock, June 19, 2016. Consecration of cottonwood infused Chrism Oil and blessing of bicycle chain oil, Salal and Cedar Watershed Ministry, Vancouver, June 22, 2016. Blessing and commissioning of The Revd Laurel Dykstra and Krista Fry to attend the first Surrey Pride Parade, Bear Creek Park, Surrey, June 26, 2016. Blessing of a new bowl for the font created by The Revd Elizabeth Mathers and of the Godly Play Room, St Clement, North Vancouver, September 11, 2016. Blessing of a new parish banner on the occasion of the parish’s 125th Anniversary, St Anne, Steveston, October 23, 2016. Blessing of prayer shawls, St Matthew, Abbotsford, November 13, 2016. Blessing of a Bible and cross given to confirmand Elizabeth Erichson and Operation Christmas Child Boxes being sent to children in Central America, St Martin, North Vancouver, November 20, 2016. Blessing of six new archival display cabinets donated by the Diocesan Anglican Church Women in recognition of the faithful work of all WA/ACW members, Synod Office Lobby, Vancouver, November 29, 2016. Consecration of the Altar Stone, St Dunstan, Aldergrove, December 11, 2016. Blessing of reinstalled parish columbarium, St Thomas, Vancouver, January 8, 2017. Blessing of parish 2020 Vision statement, St George, Maple Ridge, January 22, 2017. Blessing of the new Godly Play space, St Francis-in-the-Wood, West Vancouver, February 19, 2017. Commissioning the Parish Council and Canonical Committee, St Stephen the Martyr, Burnaby, February 26, 2017. Commissioning the new Parish Council, St Catherine, Capilano, March 19, 2017. 17 Synod Convening Circular 2017 Blessing of a purple stole for The Revd Ayoob Shawkat Adwar prior to the Service of Reception and Recognition of Priesthood, Church of the Epiphany, March 26, 2017.
Parish Closures None
Parish Merger St Mary Magdalene, Vancouver formed by the merger of St Mark, Kitsilano, and St George, Vancouver, effective January 13, 2016.
Special Services Diocesan Confirmation Service, St John, Shaughnessy, Sunday, April 26, 2015. 90th Anniversary Evensong, St Philip, Vancouver, Sunday, May 24, 2015. Education for Ministry (EfM) Graduation Service, St George, Maple Ridge, Tuesday, May 26, 2015. Diocesan Ordination Service, St Mary, Kerrisdale, Vancouver, Sunday, June 28, 2015. Blessing and Dedication of Synod Offices, 1410 Nanton Avenue, Vancouver, Sunday, September 13, 2015. Investiture Eucharist, Order of the Diocese of New Westminster, Massey Theatre, New Westminster, Sunday, November 1, 2015. 150th Anniversary Service, St Mary, Sapperton, Sunday, October 25, 2015. Chrism Mass, Christ Church Cathedral, Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Diocesan Confirmation Service, Christ Church Cathedral, Sunday, April 17, 2016. Education for Ministry (EfM) Graduation Service, St Laurence, Coquitlam, Tuesday, June 15, 2016. Diocesan Ordination Service, Christ Church Cathedral, Saturday, June 18, 2016. Holy Eucharist and Installation of the National Anglican Church Women Executive (with The Most Revd Fred Hiltz), St George, Fort Langley, Thursday, October 27, 2016. Order of the Diocese of New Westminster Investiture Service, Massey Theatre, New Westminster, Saturday, November 5, 2016. Ring Out! A Celebration of Raise the Roof, Ring the Bells, Feed the Hungry including the inaugural pealing of the bells and illumination of the spire, Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver, Thursday, November 16, 2017. Diocesan Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women, St John, Shaughnessy, Wednesday, November 30, 2016.
Confirmations 145 Reception from other Communions 9 Re-affirmations 10
Special Events Apology to all members of the Japanese Canadian Community affected by abuse perpetrated by The Revd Canon Gordon Goichi Nakayama, issued by Bishop Melissa M. Skelton, Diocese of New Westminster and Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson, Diocese of Calgary, in Vancouver, June 15, 2015. Diocesan Mission Conference 2016, Musqueam Community Centre and Cultural Resource Education Centre, Musqueam Territory (Vancouver), May 14, 2016.
Postulants Clare Elisabeth Morgan, Postulant and Sponsored Student to the Priesthood, June 3, 2015. Timothy Dale Conklin, Postulant and Sponsored Student to the Vocational Diaconate, June 22, 2015. Lucy Jane Price, Postulant and Sponsored Student to the Priesthood, July 1, 2015. Patricia Anne Ratcliffe, Postulant and Sponsored Student to the Vocational Diaconate, July 1, 2015. Synod Convening Circular 2017 18 Mark Richard Munn, Postulant and Sponsored Student to the Priesthood, September 1, 2015. The Revd Mary Elizabeth Hamel, Postulant and Sponsored Student for the Priesthood, May 11, 2016. Ronald Stanley Berezan, Postulant and Sponsored Student for the Vocational Diaconate, June 6, 2016. Jeffrey Henderikus Ernest Preiss, Postulant and Sponsored Student for the Priesthood, June 6, 2016. Cameron Michael Northcott Gutjahr, Postulant and Sponsored Student for the Priesthood, June 10, 2016. Timothy Dale Conklin, postulancy discontinued, August 11, 2016.
Secularization The Chapel of Christ The Lord, 580-401 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, secularized on July 22, 2015 (former Synod Office Chapel).
Deceased The Revd Albert Raymond Edwards, Priest, The Revd Celia Howard, Priest, July 8, 2016. April 22, 2015. The Revd James Gordon Gardiner, Priest, The Revd Tessie Eileen Meadows, Deacon, August 21, 2016. June 30, 2015. The Revd Eric Lowe, Priest, February 27, The Revd Allan Kerr, Priest, July 10, 2015. 2017. The Revd Ernest Douglas Eldridge, Priest, July The Revd David Donald George Tatchell, 18, 2015. Priest, March 15, 2017.
On Leave with Permission to Officiate The Revd Howard Adan The Revd Warren Deacon The Revd Kenneth Baker The Revd Neil Fernyhough The Revd Ross Bliss. Transitional Deacon The Revd William Hubbard The Revd Ellen Clark-King The Revd Donna Kirkpatrick The Revd Jeremy Clark-King The Revd Paula Porter-Leggett The Revd Margaret Cornish The Revd Margaret Sherwood, Deacon
On Leave Without Permission to Officiate The Revd Christopher Dierkes The Revd Mark Lemon The Revd Gordon Dominey The Revd Douglas Peterson, Deacon The Revd Patrick Jackson The Revd Kimberley Prokopchuk, Deacon
Permission to Officiate The Revd Muthiah Appavoo (House of The Venerable Ian MacKenzie (Caledonia) Bishops List) The Revd Stuart Mennigke (Athabasca) The Revd Philip Barker (Zululand, South The Revd Charles Nixon (Caledonia) Africa) The Revd Bryan Rivers (Rupert’s Land) The Revd Doreen Becker (Saskatchewan) The Revd Matthew Senf (ELCIC) The Revd Michael Chin (South East Asia) The Revd Gordon Shields (Rupert’s Land) The Revd Ronald Evans (Church of Wales) The Revd Arthur Turnbull (Ontario) The Revd Joel Gahungu (Kagera, Tanzania) The Venerable Michael Watkins (Central The Revd Richard Hergesheimer (ELCIC) Interior) The Venerable William Inglis (Kootenay) The Revd Gary Watts (ELCIC) The Revd Vida Jaugelis (ELCIC) The Revd Canon Douglas Williams (El The Revd David Kellett (Saskatoon) Camino Real, USA)
19 Synod Convening Circular 2017 Retired Clergy with Permission to Officiate The Revd Thomas Anthony The Revd Margaret Marquardt The Revd Charles Balfour The Revd Carla McGhie The Revd Ronald Barnes The Revd Dennis Morgan The Revd Walter Bayley The Revd Canon Harold Munn The Revd Barbara Blakely The Revd Arthur Nash The Revd John Blyth The Revd Gail Newell The Revd Randolph Bruce The Revd Glen Nicholson, Deacon The Revd Lawrence Cheung The Revd Gladys Olsen The Venerable Barbara Clay The Venerable Andrew Pike The Revd William Crockett The Venerable Dudley Ritchie The Revd Christine Cross, Deacon The Revd Paula Sampson The Revd Douglas Dittrich The Revd Alexis Saunders The Revd Leonard Dyer, Deacon The Revd Edward Schmitt The Revd Lilian Elliott, Deacon The Revd Kathleen Schmitt The Revd James Fergusson The Revd Jeanette Scott, Deacon The Revd John Firmston The Revd John Shozawa The Revd Susan Foley-Currie The Revd Linda St Clair The Revd Karin Fulcher, Deacon The Venerable Beverley Stewart The Revd Michael Fuller The Venerable Jeannette Stigger The Revd Paul Guiton The Venerable John Struthers, Deacon The Most Revd Douglas Hambidge The Venerable Frederic Tassinari The Revd Gary Hamblin The Revd Adela Torchia The Venerable Ronald Harrison The Revd Sarah Tweedale The Revd David Hawkins The Revd Linda Varin, Deacon The Venerable Alfred Hosking The Revd Robin Waller The Revd Paul Illical The Revd Jeremy Wex The Right Revd Michael Ingham The Revd Ronald Wickens The Revd Stuart Isto, Deacon The Revd Paul Wiltse The Revd David Koe, Deacon The Revd Graham Witcher The Revd Robert Korth The Revd Jenny Wong Nam The Revd Charles Lenz The Revd Helen Worley The Revd June Maffin The Revd Pamela Worthington
Retired Clergy (inactive) The Revd Rodney Adamson The Revd Edward Hulford The Revd Terence Allen The Revd Patricia Joyce The Revd John Barton The Revd Brock Lupton The Revd Elizabeth Beale The Venerable John Major The Revd Paul Borthistle The Revd David McKenzie The Revd Virginia Bryant The Revd Paul McMullan The Revd Martin Brokenleg The Revd Dan Meakes The Revd Marie Brown, Deacon The Revd Peter Niblock The Revd Graeme Brownlee The Revd Esther North The Revd Edward Celiz The Revd Joseph Parker The Revd John Chapman The Revd Herbert Peake The Revd Wendy Eyre-Gray The Revd James Penrice The Revd Russell Ferrie The Revd William Pike The Revd William Ferris The Revd David Robinson The Revd Bruce Gifford The Revd John Robinson The Revd David Gifford-Cole The Revd Philip Townshend-Carter The Revd Donald Gordon The Revd Welby Walker The Revd Donald Grayston The Revd Charles Walters The Revd Keith Hamlin The Revd Paul Wheeler The Revd Peter Heritage The Revd Evelyn Wiseman The Revd Helen Hill
Synod Convening Circular 2017 20 Draft Agenda (subject to change) 117th Session of the Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster
Friday, May 26th , 2017 8:00 a.m. to Registration 8:45 a.m. 9:00 AM Welcome and Acknowledgement of Territory. Synod Eucharist & Homily 10:30 a.m. Constitution of Synod Quorum, Regrets, Privileges Appoi ntments & a nnouncements of Sessional Committees • Resolutions • Nominations • Memorials • Messages from Synod Introduction of new clergy Adoption of a genda Minutes of the 116 th Synod Receipt of w ritten reports 11:00 a.m. Program Report 11:15 a.m. Hold Fast to What is Good – Part 1 12.15 p.m. Noon Prayers Followed by Lunch 1:30 p.m. care+share r eport and introduction of proposed new projects for 2018/19 1:45 p.m. Hold Fast to What is Good – Part 2 (Nominations close at 2pm) 2:45 p.m. Program Report 3:0 0 p.m. Report of the Nominations Committee 3:1 5 p.m. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements – 2016 3:45 p.m. Program Report 4:15 p.m. Resolutions 5:3 0 p.m. Evening Prayer 5:4 5 p.m. Evening Reception 7:00 p.m. Adjournment for the day
21 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Saturday May 27th , 2017
8:00 a.m. Balloting and Late Registration 8:45 a.m. Late Registration c loses 8:55 a.m. Balloting c loses 9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer 9:3 0 a.m. Hold Fast to What is Good – Part 3 10 :30 a.m. Program Report 10.45 a.m. Hold Fast to What is Good – Part 4 11:45 a.m. Program Report 12 :00 p .m. Noon Prayers followed by Lunch – including Youth Lunch with the Bishop 1:15 p .m. Report of the Returning Officer
1:30 p.m. 2017 Budget and Vision Budget s 2018 & 2019
2:00 p.m. Program Report 2:30 p.m. Resolutions 3:30 p.m. Vote of Thanks 3:45 p.m. Evening Prayer and commissioning of newly elected 4:00 p.m. Adjournment
Synod Convening Circular 2017 22
Reports
23 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Introduction to Reports
This section of the Convening Circular contains reports from many ministries, committees and related groups of the diocese. Reports, where appropriate, are grouped into these sections:
Diocesan Committees and Task Forces form the administrative structures which enable much of the mission and ministry of the diocese. Diocesan Council is the executive committee of the diocese, and it is supported by the two Standing Committees which oversee Management, Finance and Property and Mission and Ministry Development. Other committees help administer and distribute funds held by the diocese for particular purposes and support the work of the Bishop’s Office in the selection of candidates for parish incumbencies.
Chaplaincy ministries are served by chaplains, who can be clergy or trained lay persons, and who serve as religious and spiritual leaders and pastors in secular institutions including hospitals, prisons, military units, and schools. Their work can include offering worship services, building community among or across groups within an institution, and providing one-on-one pastoral care. care+share is the shared outreach program of the diocese. care+share recipients are projects which reflect one or more of the core values of diocesan ministry, and are selected through an application process and approved by Synod for a two-year inclusion in the program. Ministries included in care+share do not receive “funding”, instead they receive voluntary contributions made by parishes and individual Anglicans which flow through the Diocesan Office with no fundraising or administration costs charged to them.
Unit and Wisdom Groups are groups in the diocese whose focus is a particular area of ministry. Led by volunteer lay and clergy leaders, and funded by the diocese, Unit and Wisdom Groups engage in a variety of activities to help equip the diocese for ministry including organizing events, training programs and circulating information.
Related Groups are organizations outside the diocesan structure recognized by Synod or Diocesan Council to have aims and objectives shared by the diocese. Related Groups may apply for and may receive funding from the diocese, but they operate as independent societies in accordance with their own constitution and policies.
Other individuals and groups which report to the Synod include the Anglican Church Women, the Diocesan Archivist, the Diocesan School for Parish Development, the Education for Ministry Program and Diocesan representatives to the General Synod, Indigenous Justice Ministries, Salal+Cedar Watershed Discipleship Ministry and the Street Outreach Initiative.
Synod Convening Circular 2017 24 Report of th e Diocesan Council (Diocesan Committee )
Bishop and Members of Synod,
Between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2017, Diocesan Council met on twelve occasions, including two day long working retreats on September 12th, 2015 and September 17th, 2016. All meetings were held at the Diocesan Centre. Membership on Council, formally known as the “Executive Committee” (cf. Article 5 of the Constitution), includes the Bishop (chair), two members chosen by the Dean and Archdeacons from among their number, the Chancellor, the Registrar or the Legal Assessor, the Treasurer of Synod and Chair of the Standing Committee on Management, Finance, and Property, Chair of the Standing Committee on Mission and Ministry Development, two elected delegates from each of the archdeaconries and two youth representatives. Regular staff support attending (without vote) includes the Executive Archdeacon, the Director for Mission and Ministry Development, the Business Administrator, and the Communications Officer. A volunteer, Ms Jan Harvey of the Parish of St Stephen, West Vancouver, has acted as recording secretary.
Electronic voting on matters that require no further debate and which have already been reviewed and recommended by one of the two Standing Committees has expedited decision making, especially at the parish level.
Diocesan Council has continued its focus on strategic planning and policy development. An Agenda Committee of Council has assisted Council in organizing its work in order to do so. The Agenda Committee consists of The Revd Janice Lowell, Ms Maureen Simons and the Executive Archdeacon as Chair. Mark Munn served from June 2015-Jane 2016. Council begins with a light dinner and is followed by a hymn, prayers and/or Bible Study. All of this has assisted in forming community and focusing the work. Council set its priorities in line with the Bishop’s as parish development, reconciliation and ministry with Indigenous peoples, diversity, and relationship building.
Diocesan Council receives financial statements, approves the annual budget, hears reports and receives minutes from the Standing Committees, receives seasonal reports on General Synod business, and hears reports from related groups. It reviews and approves by-laws for parishes and church cemeteries, development projects initiated by parishes, and parish leases. Diocesan Council also approves nominations for various committees, units and certain groups such as Missions to Seafarers and, until recently, St. Michael’s Centre to which the Diocese has the privilege of appointment.
The Website of the Diocese of New Westminster can direct you to Minutes and other information on Diocesan Council: http://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/diocesan-council
Thanks to the Standing Committees (Mission and Ministry Development and Management, Finance and Property) who, through their chairs, provide Diocesan Council with regular reports; Sandra Stevenson (2015-2016) and volunteer recording secretary Jan Harvey who takes Council minutes, Phil Colvin and Rachel Taylor who oversee meeting arrangements and provide us with our finished package of material each month, Business Administrator Rob Dickson and the Revd Ruth Monette, Director for Mission and Ministry Development, who researched and prepared many of the précis associated with materials being presented to Council, often with the assistance of our legal officers, who are unstinting in their contributions of time and talent.
Respectfully submitted, The Venerable G. Douglas Fenton, Executive Archdeacon 25 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Report of the Standing Committee on Management, Finance and Property (Diocesan Committee )
Bishop and Members of Synod,
During 2015-16 some of the issues dealt with by the Management, Finance and Property Committee (MFP) were:
• Grant requests to the Anglican Foundation from Parishes in the Diocese • Grant and loan requests from Parishes throughout the Diocese, • Providing advice and financial support regarding the development of Holy Trinity Cathedral site and Holy Trinity Vancouver • Jointly with MMD to review the clergy compensation for 2016-17 • Implementation of White Paper on reorganization by merging A&F and Grants and Loans into the Management, Finance and Properties Committee • Review and approval of leases by Parishes longer than 1 year for approval by DC • Manage the audit of diocesan financial statements • Preparation and review of budgets for 2017, 2018 and 2019 • Approved accounting software conversion for Diocesan Accounts • Helping Parishes review their finances in order to plan for the future
Amongst its activities is a monthly overview of the diocesan operating budget and actual expenses, and a quarterly review of the performance of our Consolidated Trust Fund.
The membership of the committee is large and diverse, with the diocese blessed by very capable and dedicated minds: Nancy Southam, Susan Chortyk, Phil Davie, Susan Foley–Currie, Oliver Hamilton, Michael McGee, John Stephens, along with Registrar Don Paul, Legal Assessor Jennifer Dezell, and staff members Ruth Monette, Shailene Caparas, Rob Dickson.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Hardy Diocesan Treasurer Chair, Management, Finance and Property Committee
Synod Convening Circular 2017 26 Report of the Standing Committee on Mission and Ministry Development (Diocesan Committee )
Bishop and Members of Synod, The purpose of the Standing Committee on Mission and Ministry Development (MMD) is to advise the Bishop and Diocesan Council on mission and ministry within the Diocese. This includes promoting, encouraging, facilitating and monitoring the strategic plan and priorities of the Diocese. It also includes identifying needs in ministry and parish development, and creating structures and activities that support those needs.
The MMD committee membership includes both clergy and lay members: this past year the committee has welcomed some new members and has also said goodbye to others. We hope to add one or two additional members to represent more fully the diversity of our diocese and to allow for healthy succession planning. The committee meets monthly, receiving oversight from the Bishop and the Director for Mission and Ministry Development, and administrative support from the diocesan staff administrator.
As a committee, we hear from congregations who share their ideas and new expressions of ministry; we also hear of the challenges they face; we hear their strategies for enabling their faith community to be more sustainable and more strategic in its use of resources, and more vital in its life-in- community. We receive proposals and requests for funding, offer support and resources to groups and parishes, and ask questions in order to help make the proposal better or more focused.
Some areas of focus for MMD this past year include:
• The review of projects requesting funding for recommendation to the Management Finance and Property Committee and the Anglican Initiatives Fund • Supporting the work of the Parish Development Grants sub-committee – with 15 full grant applications • Working groups to review budget requests from diocesan units and related groups. • Overseeing the application process for the care+share program. • A review of parochial reports, and response to parishes thanking them for their particular ministry in a place, offering support, or requesting further information • Committee members have visited parishes to get to know them better • Begun work on ascertaining how current work in the diocese reflects the 5 year vision for the Diocese, for example, the work from the Hospital Chaplaincy Task Force • A recommendation to Diocesan Council to cross-appoint a member to the Diocesan Youth Movement (DYM) • A recommendation to the Bishop to appoint a MMD committee member to the Financial Sustainability Working group • Assisted with the initial planning of the 2016 Mission Conference
27 Synod Convening Circular 2017
From time to time, Mission and Ministry Development meets jointly with the Standing Committee on Management Finance and Property to hear from parishes seeking financial support outside of the scope of the parish development grant process: these meetings are chaired by the Bishop. This combined meeting means that the parish need only make one presentation; the two Standing Committees are then able to ask questions, learn, consider and reflect on the submissions together and from that deliberation make a recommendation to Diocesan Council. In 2016, together we heard from four separate congregations seeking such assistance.
In the upcoming year, the Mission and Ministry Development Committee will review the existing terms of reference for Units to better support ministries in our diocese, and will continue to ensure that ministries reflect diocesan priorities. We are also looking to respond to the increasing number of parishes who are exploring the impact property development can have on their ministry. As well, the committee hopes to make more opportunities to engage directly with parishes to affirm work already being done and to help explore new possibilities: to be prepared to listen for God’s voice, and to be prepared to be surprised by God!
Respectfully Submitted,
Kim Hodge, Chair of the Standing Committee on Mission and Ministry Development Mary Brown, Jeremy Clark-King (until December 2016), Jeddy James, Lauren Pinkney, Tony Sauder, David Swan (until June 2016), Paul Woehrle
Report of the Murrin Fund (Diocesan Committee )
Bishop and Members of Synod,
The Murrin Fund exists to help clergy and lay employees of the Diocese take advantage of the many continuing education opportunities that are available to enhance and enrich their vocation and parish life. Grants are available for degree or credit courses (excluding primary degrees), as well as for retreats, seminars, workshops, and conferences, and other educational programs as the Committee deems eligible.
Recipients over the past twelve months have applied for a variety of continuing education experiences. Such experiences have included; The School for Parish Development, Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), Inspire Conference, Iconography Workshop, The Association of Anglican Deacons in Canada Conference, Holy Land Tour, and the Indigenous People’s Network Province VIII Winter Talk to name but a few.
The Committee Members consist of both lay and ordained members of the Diocese. For 2017, these committee members are; The Rev'd Heidi Brear, The Rev'd Alain-Michel Rocheleau, The Rev'd Connie Wilks, Lin Neifert, Chris Elton, Dr. Starr Allaby, The Rev’d Dale Yardy
If you are interested in applying for a Murrin Fund Grant, please go to the Diocesan website to the “Grants & Loans” section and download a form to submit your application. My gratitude to the Committee Members as well as to our recipients. This fund is a wonderful resource to our Diocese, enriching the experience of parishes and their leaders in so many creative and productive ways.
Respectfully Submitted,
The Reverend Dale Yardy, Chair of the Murrin Fund Committee.
Synod Convening Circular 2017 28 Report of the Constitution and Canons Committee (Diocesan Committee )
Bishop and Members of Synod,
Canon 24 provides that there shall be a Constitution and Canons Committee (the “C&C Committee”) consisting of at least five members, two of whom shall be the Legal Assessor and the Registrar. Canon 24 also provides that all proposed changes to the Constitution, Canons, Regulations or Rules of Order (“canonical changes”) shall be submitted to the Constitution and Canons Committee at least sixty (60) days before the meeting of the Synod. The Rules of Order of Synod require that resolutions to Synod which require canonical changes be dealt with by the C&C Committee rather than by the Resolutions Committee.
Diocesan Council has passed resolutions recommending to Synod several canonical changes. Notices of those changes were received by the Chair of the C&C Committee between November 2016 and February 2017 and proposed wording for each change was received by the Committee 65 days before the meeting of Synod. In the coming weeks, the C&C Committee will review all those changes for clarity, to ensure the language is neither ambiguous nor inconsistent with current provisions in the Canons. The C&C Committee will also seek to identify any consequential changes that may be required and, if any, to recommend that such changes be made.
The canonical changes before the C&C Committee are:
(a) Canon 14, paragraph 1461 to increase the minimum number of lay delegates from a Parish from one to two.
(b) Changes arising from the Assessment Task Force of Diocesan Council and from recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee on Financial Sustainability of Diocesan Council which changes will replace Regulations 12 and 13 (Assessment and Diocesan Growth Fund) with new Regulations 24 and 25 (Fair Share Assessment and Diocesan Ministry Support Fund) and amend Canon 30 (New Development Fund to become Mission and Ministry Fund).
(c) Changes to Regulation 21 and related Anglican Initiatives Fund (“AIF”) Bylaws to accommodate an increase the number of elected AIF Administrators from two to four.
The AIF Administrators have passed a resolution supporting the proposed changes to Regulation 21 and giving the required approvals for the changes to AIF Bylaws.
The Committee was re-appointed in March by Diocesan Council. Its membership currently is:
Ms. Jennifer Dezell, Legal Assessor (Vice-Chair) The Venerable Douglas Fenton The Rev’d Paulina Lee The Rev’d Dr. Richard Leggett Mr. Donald Paul, Registrar (Chair) The Rev’d Dr. Pitman Potter with power to the Chair to appoint up to two further members.
Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Dezell Donald Paul Legal Assessor & Vice Chair Registrar & Chair Constitution and Canons Committee
29 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Report of the Financial Sustainability Working Group to Diocesan Council (Diocesan Task Force )
Dear Members of Synod,
At its November 9th, 2016 meeting, Diocesan Council received the revised terms of reference for the Financial Sustainability Working Group and gave the go-ahead for its work as an Ad Hoc Committee of Council. The purpose of the group was to lead a process of review, reflection, engagement and decision-making among Diocesan Council members as Council works to create a sustainable and transparent financial and resource plan to fund diocesan priorities.
The membership of the group consisted of: • Bishop Melissa Skelton (Chair) • Donald Paul, Registrar and member of Council • Bob Hardy, Treasurer, member of Council and Chair of Management, Property and Finance • The Rev. Richard Leggett, member of Council and Chair of the Assessment Task Force • The Ven. John Stephens, member of Council • Mary Brown, member of Mission and Ministry Development Committee
Staff support to the group included • The Venerable Douglas Fenton, Executive Archdeacon • The Reverend Ruth Monette, Director for Mission and Ministry Development • Rob Dickson, Business Administrator
In its monthly meetings, the group to date has
A. Reviewed all the funds of the diocese and recommended to Council any merging of funds and any changes in the oversight of the funds with the aim of clarifying and making more funding available to parishes and to the diocese for its priorities, B. Reviewed all the sources of income to the diocese and made recommendations to Council on ways to increase the monies available to fund Synod Office expenses for diocesan priorities and to fund development projects for parishes given the potential $200,000 decrease in assessment income coming out of the work of the Assessment Task Force (a task force created by Synod 2015) C. Reviewed the diocese’s property holdings and recommended to Council which properties to hold and which properties to sell at this time, and D. Reviewed relevant regulations and canons and recommended to Council which canons and regulations needed to be amended to support an overall plan for transparent and responsible financial and resource sustainability for the diocese.
Outcomes to Date In response to the work of the Assessment Task Force and as a result of the Financial Sustainability Working Group’s thorough review of the above areas, Diocesan Council has agreed to the following: Funds • To merge the Columbia Coast Mission Fund and the Refunded Residential Schools Settlement Monies to establish an Indigenous Justice Fund , the investment income of which would help in funding the Indigenous Justice Missioner role at the Synod Office. • To transfer oversight of the both the Denby Fund and the Benjafield Fund to the Administrators of the Anglican Initiatives Fund and to determine a process by which the Administrators may award grants to parishes or to other entities within the diocese.
Synod Convening Circular 2017 30 • To recommend to Synod that it transfer the oversight of allocating funds from the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund (formerly the Diocesan Growth Fund) to the Administrators of the Anglican Initiative Fund, subject to the guidelines provided by Diocesan Council from time to time. • To recommend to Synod that the membership of the Anglican Initiatives Fund Administrators be increased from 5 to 7 members by adding an additional lay person and clergy person each elected by Synod, subject to the same being approved by Synod and assented to by the Bishop.
Property To put on the market three diocesan properties (properties not currently being used for a parish) and for the proceeds to be deposited in the Mission and Ministry Fund (formerly called The New Development Fund) • 10111 Bird Road, Richmond, BC. • 1805 Larch St, Vancouver, BC. • 1030 Sperling/6755 Napier, Burnaby BC.
Regulations and Canons • To recommend to Synod that the Diocesan Growth Fund be renamed the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund and that its purpose be to support ministry, growth and stability in existing and new parishes and missions and diocesan ministries and to provide transition funding for one year to some parishes whose assessment will increase under the new assessment formula. • To recommend to Synod that Synod rename the New Development Fund the Mission and Ministry Fund , the purpose of which will be: a) to finance by grants ongoing and new ministries of the Diocese including those ministries carried out by any of the Diocese on its own or in conjunction with one or more Parishes and/or one or more Missions; and/or a Parish or Mission on its own or in conjunction with one or more other Parishes or Missions or both; or other entities or programs operated in the Diocese as may be approved by Diocesan Council and the Bishop, b) to fund the operations of the Diocese as set out in the vision budgets passed by Synod from time to time, c) to finance by loans or grants or a mix of loans and grants the creation of new parishes or ministry centres within the Diocese, and d) to finance by loans or grants or a mix of loans and grants the redevelopment of any existing parish or ministry centre within the Diocese. • To recommend to the Bishop and Synod that all the regulation and canonical changes related to the Fair Share Assessment Formula, the new Diocesan Ministry Support Fund and the new Mission and Ministry Fund be passed as one resolution and implemented together as one package so that the Diocese can continue to carry out its mandated mission and ministries while at the same time reducing overall assessment payable by Parishes.
Respectfully submitted, Bishop Melissa Skelton, Chair of the Financial Sustainability Working Group
31 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Report of the Assessment Task Force of Diocesan Council (Diocesan Task Force )
Bishop and Members of Synod,
For some years concerns have been expressed about the current Regulation that governs assessment. In response to these concerns, Diocesan Synod 2015 “RESOLVED THAT Synod requests that the Bishop appoint a task force to review the Assessment Formula; to bring recommendations regarding the Assessment Formula to the next regular Synod in 2017; and to provide an interim report to Diocesan Council by October 2016.”
In the fall of 2015 the Bishop appointed an Assessment Task Force, reporting to Diocesan Council, with the mandate to make recommendations to Council regarding how each parish and mission’s ‘fair share’ of the shared diocesan budget should be determined. She named Roger Farrier (St. Anne’s Steveston), Bob Hardy (Diocesan Treasurer, St. John’s North Vancouver), Richard Leggett (convener, St. Faith’s Vancouver), Sharon Mack (St. Stephen’s Burnaby), Mary McIntyre (All Saints Mission), Kerri Onken (St. Matthew’s Abbotsford) and Terry Walton (St. John’s Port Moody). Rob Dickson, Diocesan Business Administrator, served as staff support with the valuable and generous assistance of Shailene Caparas, Diocesan Comptroller.
We began our work by making sure we all understood the current Regulation and the rationale behind its requirements. Early on in our work, we decided that our job was not merely to tinker with the existing Regulation but to develop recommendations that we believed were transparent and fair and sustainable. We consulted other Dioceses in the Anglican Church of Canada, small and large. These early meetings led us to develop a set of working principles to guide us as we consulted with the laity and clergy of the Diocese. These principles were couched in questions we decided to take to the Archdeaconries.
1) What do you think of the Task Force’s recommendation that assessment will be based on all Parish Operating Receipts, i.e., all rental income shall be considered in the assessment formula? 2) What do you think of the Task Force’s recommendation that assessment will be based on the last reported year, i.e., 2017 assessment would be based on 2015’s reported Parish Operating Receipts? 3) What do you think of the Task Force’s recommendation that each parish would be entitled to a standard $35,000 deduction? 4) What do you think of the Task Force’s recommendation that a parish whose Parish Operating Receipts were under $35,000 would pay a flat assessment of $1200? 5) What do you think of the Task Force’s recommendation that the rate structure would be simplified, i.e., either two rates or three rates? 6) What do you think of the Task Force’s proposal that the annual earnings on funds deposited in the CTF as a result of the sale of church properties be subject to a small percentage assessment? 7) What is your level of support for the continuation of the Diocesan Growth Fund?
And out we went into the Archdeaconries of the Diocese. We learned that most congregations were willing to include all rental income of the church and hall in their parish operating receipts rather than the existing 50%. We were slightly surprised to learn that most congregations were comfortable with a three-year rolling average rather than assessment being based on the previously reported year alone. A significant majority were in favour of exempting the first $35,000 in Parish Operating
Synod Convening Circular 2017 32 Receipts from assessment and a flat $1200 assessment on those parishes whose total Parish Operating Receipts were less than $35,000. Reducing the assessments rates to two or three received a great deal of support as did the continuation of the Diocesan Growth Fund. There was little support for any assessment on earnings in the Consolidated Trust Fund.
Participants asked how the Diocese was going to use the assets of diocesan property not currently used for the purposes of service, worship, evangelism, education and pastoral care. This question was relayed to the members of the Financial Sustainability Working Group and influenced the proposed amendments to Canon 30 and amendments to Regulation 21.
Following the consultations we went back to work and the drafting process began. By January 2017 Diocesan Council approved the specific recommendations of the Assessment Task Force and, in consultation with the Financial Sustainability Working Group, the final drafts of two regulations and one revised canon were prepared and presented to Diocesan Council on the 22nd of March.
New Regulation 24 replaces Regulation 12. The key elements of the draft Regulation are: • the inclusion of all rental of the Church and the Hall in a congregation’s operating receipts; • an exemption of Parish Development Grants from operating receipts; • an assessment rate structured as follows: (i) a flat $1200 on the first $35,000 of operating receipts, (ii) 15.5% on operating receipts from $35,000 to $150,000 and (iii) 17.75% on operating receipts above $150,000; • continuation of an assessment on the top 50% of the congregations to fund which will be called the ‘Diocesan Ministry Fund’ (previously the ‘Diocesan Growth Fund’); • an upper limit of 1.75% for the ‘Diocesan Ministry Support Fund’ assessment; • an expanded appeals process; and • relief from the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund for any congregation whose 2018 assessment exceeds their 2017 assessment by more than $500.
Our calculations indicate that a significant majority of congregations will see a decrease in their assessment. This will, of course, have an impact on how we fund the Vision Budget.
New Regulation 25 changes the name of the current ‘Diocesan Growth Fund’ to the ‘Diocesan Ministry Support Fund’. This change more accurately describes the purposes of the fund which provides additional funding for existing and new diocesan and congregational ministries. More significantly, the new Regulation names the Administrators of the Anglican Initiatives Fund as the allocation committee. Synod will be asked to increase the number of clergy and lay administrators elected by Synod from two (one clergy, one lay) to four (two clergy, two lay). The current administrators have unanimously approved this change to the By Laws of the Fund, but Synod must act as well.
In order for a ‘fair balance’ to be struck between diocesan income arising from assessment and potential income from property, New Regulation 24, New Regulation 25, amendments to Canon 30 and amendments to Regulation 21 will need to be approved by Synod 2017.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev’d Dr Richard Geoffrey Leggett, Convener of the Assessment Task Force
33 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Report of the Bishop’s Advisory Committee on Appointments (Diocesan Committee )
Dear Bishop and Members of Synod,
The Bishop’s Advisory Committee on Appointments is established by authority of Diocesan Canon 5. Membership includes the Bishop as chair, the Executive Archdeacon, and three clerical and three lay members elected by Synod. When the Committee meets to consider the applications received for a clerical vacancy, two representatives from the Canonical Committee of the respective parish and their Regional Archdeacon join the Committee for that specific instance as full voting members. Also, this includes the Rector if the position is for an Assistant to the Rector.
This report covers the period from March 31, 2015 until April 30, 2017. During this period, BACA met nine times to consider vacancies at St Cuthbert, Delta; St George, Maple Ridge; St Laurence, Coquitlam; St John, Shaughnessy; St Stephen, West Vancouver; All Saints, Burnaby; Christ Church, Hope; St James, Vancouver; St Mary the Virgin, Sapperton; and Christ Church Cathedral. The search for Incumbents for all were successful (All Saints, Burnaby completed two postings, St Laurence, Coquitlam completed three postings) while searches for priests for Christ Church Cathedral and Christ Church, Hope are still in progress.
During this same period, after consultation with the parish leadership, the Bishop made several direct appointments: Vicar, St Oswald, Port Kells; Vicar, Christ Church, Hope; Interim Priest-in-Charge for St James, Vancouver; Vicar, Salal and Cedar Watershed Discipleship Ministry; Assistant Curate for St Philip, Vancouver; Assistant Curate for St Anselm, Vancouver; Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Catherine, Capilano; Interim Priest-in-Charge, St John, Shaughnessy; Assistant to the Rector, St Mary, Kerrisdale; Vicar, St John the Divine, Squamish; Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Alban, Richmond; Assistant to the Rector, St Mark, Ocean Park; Interim Priest-in-Charge, St David, Delta; Interim Priest-in-Charge, St John the Divine, Maple Ridge; Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Mary the Virgin, Sapperton; Interim Priest- in-Charge, St Catherine, Capilano; Assistant Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Catherine, Capilano; Interim Pries-in-Charge, St Philip, Dunbar; Assistant Curate, St John, Shaughnessy; Assistant Curate, St Anne, Steveston; Deacon, St Catherine of Alexandria, Port Coquitlam; Vicar, St David and St Paul, Powell River; Senior Port Chaplain, Mission to Seafarers; Rector, St Stephen, West Vancouver; Rector, St Mary Magdalene, Vancouver; Vicar, Christ the Redeemer, Surrey; Vicar, St Anselm, Vancouver; Deacon, All Saints, Mission; Assistant Curate, St James, Vancouver; Vicar, St Aidan and St Bartholomew, Gibsons; Deacon, Archdeaconry of Vancouver; Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Alban the Martyr, Burnaby; Vicar, Christ the Redeemer, Surrey; and Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Andrew, Langley; Vicar, St Stephen the Martyr, Burnaby; Deacon, Christ Church Cathedral; Deacon, St Agnes, North Vancouver; Assistant to the Rector, Christ Church Cathedral; Vicar, Christ Church, Hope; Deacon, St John the Baptist, Sardis; Assistant to the Rector, St Faith, Vancouver; Interim Priest- in-Charge, St John the Apostle, Port Moody; Interim Priest-in-Charge, St Mary, Kerrisdale; Vicar, All Saints, Burnaby; Vicar, St Mary the Virgin, Sapperton; Vicar, St Alban, Richmond; Interim Priest-in- Charge, St Timothy, Burnaby. In addition, some term appointments were made or extended.
The Committee on Continuing Education (Murrin Fund) makes periodic reports to BACA. Grants were made to several people assisting them in their ongoing education and learning. Chair of the Committee is the Rev’d Dale Yardy.
Synod Convening Circular 2017 34 Current elected members of the Bishop’s Advisory Committee on Appointments are: Clerical: The Revds Kelly Duncan, Neil Gray, and Michael McGee; Lay: Mrs Helen Brown, Mr Eric Harris, QC, and Mrs Susan McGee.
Respectfully Submitted,
The Venerable G Douglas Fenton Executive Archdeacon
Report of the Cathedral Chapter (Diocesan Committee )
Bishop and Members of Synod,
The Cathedral Chapter gives leadership to renewed efforts to make the Cathedral a focus of Diocesan life. Members of the Chapter include Deanery and Cathedral representatives, as well as the Diocesan Archdeacons who are members ex officio.
In November, Bishop Melissa presided at the 8th annual Investiture of the Order of the Diocese New Westminster. The service of Morning Prayer was held in Massey Theatre on a Saturday morning, with music leadership from St. John’s, Shaughnessy. The next Investiture will be held in November 2018. The Chapter also arranged for Confirmations and Ordinations in the spring.
Raise the Roof, Feed the Hungry, Ring the Bells Campaign. The Roof has been completed, Deo Gratias! The Sandwich Project and Maundy Café guests are glad that the scaffolding has been removed, and our numbers have risen. The team of volunteers is pleased to welcome guests from previous years. There was a service of Celebration and Thanksgiving on November 17th, with the first ringing of “bell changes.”
A Mental Health Ministry Day was held for the diocese. Sanctuary Ministries offered presentations on their work in mental health.
The Anglican Foundation has planned to meet in Vancouver for their 60th Anniversary. There will be a Canadian Textile Juried Exhibition called “(in)finite” (May 25 – June 4).
The Cathedral will be open on July 1st for Canada 150+.
Respectfully submitted, Ginger Shaw, Secretary to the Cathedral Chapter
Members of the Cathedral Chapter: The Very Rev. Dr. Peter Elliott, chair; The Ven. Douglas Fenton, The Ven. John Stephens, The Ven. Karen Urquart, The Ven. Philippa Segrave-Pride, The Ven. Lynne McNaughton, The Ven. Stephen Rowe, The Ven. Elizabeth Northcott, The Ven. Bruce Morris, The Rev. Heidi Brear, Mr. Chris Funston, Ms. Margaret Briscall, Mr. Robert Watt, Ms. Kris Barker, Ms. Valerie Hobson, Mr. Trevor Davies, Dr. Ron Jobe, Ms. Sondra Marshall
35 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Report of the Chaplain to the St. Michael ’s Centre & Hospice (Chaplaincy )
Bishop and Members of Synod,
St. Michael's Centre/Hospice located in South Burnaby on Sussex Avenue is a 'faith-based' 128 bed Complex Care Centre with a 16 bed Hospice founded over 35 years ago with the support of The Vancouver Archdiocese, The Diocese of New Westminster and The B.C. Conference The United Church of Canada.
The Spiritual Health Leader provides support, counselling, prayer, and guidance to our residents, their families, friends and staff. I ensure that our residents are connected to their faith communities. Clergy and laity from the local Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and United Churches share responsibilities for a Sunday afternoon worship service at 2:00 p.m. Regional Clergy are on call for Pastoral Emergencies in both Complex Care and Hospice. The Clergy of St. Mary's Parish say Mass once a month on a Wednesday and the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist bring the Sacrament to our residents on a Friday. Four Seasonal Services are arranged each year to mark: Easter, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day and Christmas to which a guest speaker is invited from our three founding denominations. A monthly memorial service is held for our residents and the families of our residents who have passed-over and gone home. I am also available to support the families for a funeral service or a celebration of life.
St. Michael's goal is to continue to provide Spiritual Health Care to our residents and patients, families, staff and friends.
Respectful submitted,
The Rev'd. Randolph F. Bruce Spiritual, Pastoral & Religious Care Leader St. Michael's Centre & Hospice
Synod Convening Circular 2017 36 Report of the Chaplain to University and College Students (Chaplaincy )
Bishop and Members of Synod,
Since my October 1st, 2014 appointment as Anglican Chaplain to College and University students, it has been my privilege and pleasure to serve the UBC community.
During the last two years, I have devoted between 12 and 15 hours per week to this ministry. I have had the privilege to collaborate with, among others, UBC Students Services and I have met with 103 individuals for pastoral care. I have also participated in liturgical and ecumenical services on campus. I have been invited to celebrate the Eucharist at VST in 2015 and 2016, and have met with the other members of the University Multifaith Chaplains Association on more than 27 occasions. I have also had the privilege to attend the National Conference on Young Adult and Campus Ministry in Baltimore, Maryland, from June 26-29, 2016.
In order to make the Anglican chaplaincy more visible on campus, posters and business cards have been distributed, and a Facebook page (UBC Anglican Chaplaincy) has been created in 2016. I have also participated in Jump Start (on August 19, 2015 and August 22, 2016), welcoming international students and helping them to adjust to life in a new environment, and in Imagine Day (on September 8, 2015, and September 6, 2016), when 1000 volunteers came together to welcome over 8000 new- to-UBC students.
All these accomplishments may seem very modest when compared to those of my Jewish, Baptist, and Pentecostal colleagues, who do their ministry on a full-time basis with the support of paid employees. I am personally very happy with what has been accomplished over the last two years Thanks be to God ! Despite limited resources, I am still hoping to find new ways to promote students’ faith development through their engagement in Christian worship, discipleship, and service; to empower them for a lifetime of participation in the church, including their call to corporate ministry and reconciliation; and to create opportunities for inter-cultural and inter-faith dialogue.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Dr. Alain-Michel Rocheleau Priest and Anglican Chaplain to College and University Students
37 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Report of the Chaplain at Vancouver General Hospital (Chaplaincy )
Bishop and Members of Synod,
I write this report having worked for the past two years as the Anglican Chaplain and Vancouver General Hospital. During this time I have had the privilege of ministering to those individual parishioners from our diocese and from parishes throughout the province who find themselves admitted to hospital. It has been my practice to inform any rectors that I have visited a parishioner – with their permission of course – and in this way to maintain the parish connection even when the individual may not be able to attend Sunday services. I have also offered pastoral support to patients who self-identify as Anglican although they are not members of any particular parish. Hospitalization, planned or not, is always a form of crisis, mild or severe, and for patients who have drifted away from the church, the chaplain’s visit may reignite faith and connection to community worship. One of the most meaningful aspects of my chaplaincy practice has been the unexpected requests for prayer and counsel from visitors, patients and staff whom I encounter in the hall or on the elevator. These unplanned meetings range from a staff member patting my hand and saying “thank you for being here” to requests for prayer, bed-side visits, and long conversations about the frustration and challenge of being a health care worker.
I have colleagues within the Spiritual Care and Multifaith Services Department, including the hospital Spiritual Care Practitioners, and Roman Catholic chaplains, and the CPE interns. We support one another practically and spiritually during difficult times, which is essential in this kind of intense work.
I recently made the difficult decision to resign this rewarding job. I find myself increasingly involved in parish ministry as a Curate at St. John’s Shaughnessy and find that having each foot on a separate ice-flow is not tenable in the long run. I am very grateful for the blessing this job has been to me, and for the honour of being able to serve the church in this capacity.
Respectfully submitted,
The Reverend Liz Hamel
Synod Convening Circular 2017 38 Report of the Community Support Ministry Collaboration Project (care + share ) Bishop and Members of Synod,
The Community Support Ministry Collaboration Project is an effort to bring together the work of the Community Pastoral Resource Centre at St. Faith’s and the work of the Hudson Street Hub at St. Augustine’s to support those in our neighbourhoods who are vulnerable.
The Pastoral Resource Centre is where people in need or crisis meet with a care advocate who provides warm referrals to the appropriate dignity resources for housing, food, health and security and supports clients in making those connections. In Marpole, where there is a considerable number of vulnerable and fragile people, St. Augustine’s Hudson Street Hub offers low cost clothing and goods, hosts a Food Bank depot, offers three community meals per week, hosts recreation/socialization programs, and provides workshops and clinics related to the day-to-day issues of people in need.
In 2015 and 2016, St Faith’s and St. Augustine’s organized “Sharing the Harvest”. On Thanksgiving Sunday, members of the churches in the Deanery of Granville brought donations of fresh produce to decorate their Altars and included non-perishable food items as part of their offertory which was supplemented by donations from local food organizations. On Thanksgiving Monday people in the community came by St. Augustine’s for coffee, sandwiches and conversation while volunteers assisted them to fill shopping bags with food.
In the spring of 2016 an interactive workshop was offered to community volunteers and paid staff, who in the course of their work encounter people who may be in crisis or need. “Being on the Front Lines: How to Effectively Engage with People who may be Vulnerable” included practical strategies for interacting, recognizing crisis, including mental health, drug/alcohol addictions, de-escalating situations and as well as information on available community resources. We plan to offer this workshop again in 2017.
We established a depot for access to free clothing and housewares through the St. Augustine’s Thrift Store. During 2016 aapprox. 60 vouchers were given out by various community organizations, which resulted in people in need being able to access $300 worth of much needed resources. In October 2016 an updated version of our “Community Resource Guide for People in Crisis or Need” was printed and copies provided to local area churches, libraries and the Kerrisdale/Oakridge/ Marpole Community Policing Centre to give out to their clients. With the rollout of the new compass cards the old FareSaver program has ceased and so we are acting as an agent to provide single use compass tickets to local area churches to give out to people in need.
As St. Augustine’s and St. Faith’s continue working together to further collaborate on projects to support those in our neighbourhoods who are vulnerable, the Community Support Ministry Collaboration Project is grateful to be a 2016-2017 care+share Grant recipient.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev’d Christine Wilson The Rev’d Andrew Halladay Care Advocate Vicar Kerrisdale/Marpole Community Pastoral Resource Centre St. Augustine Anglican Church
39 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Report of St. Paul’s Advocacy and Outreach (care + share) Bishop and Members of Synod,
We are incredibly grateful for the support of the care+share program this past year. St. Paul’s Advocacy and Outreach actively worked with approximately 2700 clients during 2016. This certainly kept our 8-10 volunteers busy the 3 days a week that we are open. We assist with a variety of issues for our clients from housing searches and homelessness to filling out applications, disability forms, seniors’ issues, ID replacement, income tax, and eviction notices.
Housing, homelessness and at risk for homelessness is a large percentage of what we deal with. I would say that about 1/3 of our clients fit somewhere in this area. They are either currently living rough out on the street (visible homeless) or couch surfing (hidden homeless). The other part is those that are facing possible homelessness due to rising rents they can’t afford, eviction notices they don’t win, or sudden downturn in financial circumstances. Today’s current housing market make it very difficult for people to find anything affordable, especially if they want to continue living in certain neighbourhoods that they have lived in for many years, such as the West End.
We work with each client individually to make sure that all possible options are covered for them. Subsidized housing available and suitable for one may not be possible at all for someone else. Each case is different from another. Unfortunately, most subsidized housing has very long waiting lists. The alternatives are usually sharing or moving further out of Vancouver which can still be costly. We used to be able to say with pride that we were able to house more half the people that came looking for housing, now that number has dropped significantly, less than a quarter, at least in what is affordable.
St. Paul’s Advocates now take every opportunity to speak to the local MLAs and bring forth the topic of affordable housing and how badly it is affecting so many of our clients. They also regularly attend roundtable and other opportunities in the community where meetings on housing are taking place.
For eight months during 2016 we also distributed food to those in need who had missed the weekly food bank and handed out sandwiches to the homeless through our 1-2 street outreach volunteers. We distributed about 250 food items a month.
In October, close to Thanksgiving, and as part of Vancouver’s Homeless Action Week we teamed up with another local Church, First Baptist, to put on a special one day event.
We gathered together as many health related services as possible to offer free services for people who are street involved and/or precariously housed. Last year included an optometrist and eyeglass distribution, a dentist, hearing tests and haircuts. Everyone also received a sandwich lunch, coffee, tea and tasty treats all day. We had about 200 people through the doors to take advantage of one or more of the services offered.
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen Silvergieter Director of Advocacy Services
Synod Convening Circular 2017 40 Report of the Angl ican CanAsian Ministry (ACAM) Group (Wisdom Group )
Bishop and Members of Synod,
Beginning in June 2011, Anglican Asian clergy and churches in the Diocese have been journeying towards a collective, institutional presence for their unique ministries. The journey has evolved from being “an invisible group” to becoming “a wisdom group”. Bishop Melissa, in her opening address at our group’s first workshop in June 2015, articulated that our mission could be “creating a new thing”, which would be “life giving for you, and a need of the Diocese”. She encouraged the group to aspire “to be a lab” (for multiculturalism), and to realize that it was “not just about you, but how you teach others”.
Anglican CanAsian Ministry (ACAM) is made up of Anglican lay and clergy leaders in the Diocese of New Westminster from churches that currently and historically minister/ed primarily to people of Asian heritage, and from multicultural congregations that include those of Asian heritage. We are also Canadian-Asian leaders who are members of other congregations in the Diocese.
We aim to represent the diversity of Canadian-Asian voices found throughout our churches and neighbourhoods, and to be a bridge between them and the larger Diocese. We strive to encourage the Diocese to embrace the multicultural nature of these communities, and partner with us to create opportunities to recognize and use the gifts of Canadian-Asians so that the Diocese can better reflect the Kingdom of God. We strive to build up Canadian-Asians in our churches and communities through fellowshipping, networking, learning, sharing concerns, and exchanging ministry resources, with the goal of more effectively living out our Baptismal Covenant.
We have had 14 meetings in the past 4 years (through March 16, 2017). There are 11 members and 5 observers. We have found that being involved in church events locally and internationally (see some highlights below) has been an eye opener. It has also been an opportunity to witness God’s work in the church and beyond, through the beautiful diversity of God’s faithful people. We invite you to join us as we continue on this journey together.
Highlights of the journey (since 2011):
June 2011 – Invitation to 4 Canadians to participate in the EAM (Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry) Japanese Convocation in Los Angeles. A TOPIC article appeared in the Oct. 2011 issue. The Rev. Dr. Winfred Vergara, EAM National Missioner, was particularly encouraging and welcoming. His motivation became apparent in Resolution 5 at CoGS 21 months later.
Mar 2013 – On 14 March 2013, the ACC’s CoGS passed a 6-point motion which included “5. Recommends that the Council of General Synod study the Episcopal Church’s Asiamerica Ministries (EAM) to explore ways of our participation in it.” Acting on this motion, a day later, The Rev. Dr. Winfred Vergara extended an invitation to us to attend the EAM Consultation in June through The Ven. Dr. Michael Thompson, General Secretary of the Anglican Church of Canada.
June 2013 – 8 Canadians (Clergy and Lay) from the Diocese of N.W. attended the Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of EAM in San Francisco with financial assistance. A TOPIC article on this experience appeared in the November 2013 issue.
41 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Oct 2013 – The 8 attendees of the 40th EAM Anniversary in San Francisco and the retired Rev. John Shozawa and his wife Lynne Shozawa came together to reflect on our experience in San Francisco, and it was at this meeting that developing a similar (EAM) fellowship in our diocese began. We began meeting every two months for fellowship and planning.
Mar 4, 2015 – This fellowship group was named Anglican CanAsian Ministry (ACAM), patterned on the name of the Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry (EAM).
June 27, 2015 – ACAM’s first Strategic Planning Workshop with Bishop Melissa Skelton and facilitator the Rev. Ruth Monette. 14 participants from 5 churches shared their histories and thoughts about the present state of and future hopes for Asian Ministries in the Diocese.
Sep 30-Oct 5, 2015 – 8 Anglicans from Canada, including The Ven. Douglas Fenton, attended the 125th Anniversary of the Anglican Church of Korea; 7 of them also attended the EAM Consultation held in Seoul.
Oct 6-9, 2015 – 9 Anglicans from Canada attended the EAM Japanese Convocation in Tokyo.
June 2016 – The EAM Japanese Convocation 2016 was held in Vancouver with 40 participants. A TOPIC article on this event appeared in the October 2016 issue.
Aug 2016 – 6 Anglicans from Canada attended the EAM Filipino Convocation in Los Angeles.
Dec 2016 – The first “Prayer of Light with TAIZE songs” was hosted by ACAM at St. Michael’s in Vancouver. A TOPIC article on this event appeared in the February 2017 issue.
Aug 2017 – EAM Filipino Convocation 2017 will be held in Vancouver with 150 expected participants.
Every summer – East Vancouver Deanery/ACAM Church Picnic at Q. E. Park (see TOPIC Sept. 2015 article).
Respectfully submitted, The Rev. Daebin Moses Im and The Rev. Wilmer Toyoken, Co-Chairs
Report of the Diocesan Youth Movement (DYM) (Unit Group )
Bishop and Members of Synod,
Since 2007, the Diocesan Youth Movement (DYM) has been working to create and extend youth ministry opportunities throughout the diocese in accordance with our vision and mission statement. We are seeing a vibrant youth ministry develop across the diocese and are committed to nurturing and growing it. DYM’s leadership team includes young people and those who minister with them from across a range of Anglican backgrounds.
A key part of DYM’s renewed vision is to help nurture vital and sustainable youth ministry. We are blest and grateful for the continued support of Diocesan staff and the wonderful support and structure provided by the Children and Youth Ministries Coordinator. With her help, we establish and
Synod Convening Circular 2017 42 maintain relationships with our many diocesan parishes and regions, and across the Anglican Church of Canada.
DYM’s programming for 2015-2017 has included:
- Visioning Day 2015: Facilitated by David Swan, DYM met to review our mission and direction for the future. This was a very fruitful retreat which allowed us to identify our strengths and set goals for the future. - Junior Youth Retreats: DYM has partnered with the Parish Development School to create a new event specifically for junior youth. This has introduced junior youth to two of the models used in Parish Development School. It has also given a new opportunity for more senior youth to learn and apply leadership skills. - Here and Now (2016) / A Wizard’s Retreat (2017): A retreat organized in partnership with Sorrento Centre and the British Columbia and Yukon Anglican Youth Movement (BCYAYM). Full coachloads of youth from the Diocese of New Westminster attended both retreats. 2016 theme speaker Brander McDonald spoke on Reconciliation and remaining present. 2017 theme speaker Shalome MacNeill Cooper presented ties between the world of Harry Potter and the biblical story. - Theology of Play (2015) / Sexual Misconduct Policy Training (2016): In 2015 DYM hosted Judy Steers who presented the theology of play. This provided a great opportunity to learn about creating and leading meaningful games; a key part of youth ministry. In 2016 Lynne McNaughton presented the diocesan Sexual Misconduct Policy Training to allow new volunteers in youth ministry to take this training. - Active participation in the ministries of the BCYAYM and Sorrento Centre through the involvement of DYM leaders and the Children and Youth Ministries Coordinator.
The DYM Leadership Team has also seen growth as we’ve welcomed new youth and youth leaders to our group. We are very happy to welcome a cross appointee member from Diocesan Council, who will help us to work more closely with all parishes of the diocese. This was one of the recommendations from our 2015 visioning day that we are proud to have accomplished.
A further part of DYM’s renewed vision has been advocating for youth ministries and their leaders. We are very excited to see the release of the Diocesan Professional Children’s and Youth Ministry Guidelines and Salary Grid and encourage its widespread adoption and use.
We invite parishes to connect their young people to the wealth of youth ministry opportunities, and to offer your gifts to the leadership of DYM. We look forwarded to continuing in our mission to bring great love and life to the whole Church.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Barr (Chair), Elizabeth Barr, Kim Blair, the Rev. Denise Doerkson, Jane Harvey, the Rev. Daebin Im, Anne Kessler, the Rev. Janice Lowell, Lauren Odile, Anika Robertson, Heather Robertson, Hal Saunders, Judy Steers & Caitlin Reilley Beck (Children and Youth Ministries Coordinator)
43 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Report of the Eco -Justice Unit (Unit Group )
Bishop and Members of Synod.
“You cannot build on death. You can only build on life. As believers, we must be sustained by a sense of what we are for and not just what we are against. Without hope and a positive vision, we will end up as just another form of the dominant consciousness, which has nothing to believe and no -One to serve .” Father Richard Rohr, O.F.M. The work of the Eco-Justice Unit can be summed up this way.
Focus this past two years 2015-2016 and upcoming 2017: - Metro Vancouver Alliance: building an alliance across the sectors of labour, religious, community organizations and academic institutions working together for the common good. The Unit is an active part in building these relationships, working towards community organizing in Metro Vancouver and supporting parishes that have joined MVA or are interested. Parishes may join in the work of clusters with other organizations in their area. This work is non-partisan. No partisan political organization can join. The Unit has actively participated in Leadership Institute Training for the various sectors including Anglicans. The M.V.A. is part of the Industrial Area Foundation, a 70 year old organization supporting community organizing around the world. Our local work came to fruition with the Founding Assembly March 2014. The work is around public transit, the Living Wage, affordable housing and social inclusion. Affordable Housing for families and individuals is an ever increasing need in the lower mainland and requires the co-operative efforts of all levels of government. April 4, 2017 is the Provincial Election Assembly and we have added health as one of the issues MVA is addressing. Our diocese became a Sponsoring Organization of MVA November 2015 and in this indicates the support of the whole diocese in this civil society work.
-The ecological work of the Unit is presently focused on the proposed Kinder Morgan pipeline and the concerns regarding tankers along the BC coast and through the waters of the lower mainland. As well the Unit is seeking to support parishes in their ecological work as well as working closely with religious and secular partners in this work.
–The Working Group on the Practices of Canadian Mining Companies (following up on the Synod motion of 2013) has focused on partnering with our companion diocese of the N. Philippines seeking their guidance on issues they have raised.
The Unit is always ready to support parishes in their work of social and environmental justice.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Margaret Marquardt, Chair Working Group on the Practices of Canadian mining companies, the cluster parishes in MVA; and a network of parishioners around the diocese.
Synod Convening Circular 2017 44 Report of the Ecumenical and Multi -faith Unit (Unit Group )
Bishop and Members of Synod,
Since our last Synod the Diocesan Ecumenical and Multi-Faith Unit (EMU) has undergone some change in membership and leadership. We give thanks for the dedication of members who have left EMU in the past two years, they include: The Rev. Grant Rogers, The Rev. Richard Leggett and The Rev. Steve Bailey. New members to the unit have brought a new level of commitment, energy and enthusiasm that has sparked much of our programing in 2016 and given shape to what we have planned for in 2017. A heartfelt thanks is given to our current team who include: Donna Wong- Juliani, The Rev. Christine Magrega, Tom Esakin and Fernando Este.
The Sacred Space tours in 2015 and 2016 were an opportunity for people to take a bus tour visiting several synagogues, mosques and other houses of prayer and worship. The tour included conversation with a Spiritual Leader of that faith and a tour of the space. Great connections between people from across the diocese were made. In particular the travel between sites that fostered deeper learning and appreciation of other faiths among participants on the bus.
In the Fall of 2016, finishing in March of 2017 we, in partnership with St. Paul’s Anglican Church, developed a new program called “5 Ways of Engaging the Heart.” This brought together five different traditions, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism and the Rafi Sufi Order. Participants were invited to experience a Spiritual discipline from each tradition. This created an opportunity for experiential learning as opposed to an intellectual, academic experience. "Thank you" to St. Paul’s Anglican Church for hosting this series.
In March of 2017 we launched the first of several prayer services and conversations called United in Compassion. This was developed due to the rise in violence, discrimination and racism towards our brothers and sisters of the Islamic and Jewish religion in recent months. Fifteen faith leaders from around Metro Vancouver gathered at Or Shalom Synagogue. Each Spiritual Leader was invited to share a short prayer or devotion during the service. Following the service there was opportunity to participate in table conversations, over kosher desserts. Three questions served to anchor the conversations, they were: 1) Please introduce yourself. 2) As we live in uncertain times, where do you see glimmers of hope from your Spiritual/Religious tradition? And 3) How can we, in our daily lives and though our Spiritual/Religious tradition, act with compassion to our neighbour? During the evening, participants were invited to leave their name and contact information for future conversations and events. A special thanks is given to Rabbi Hannah Dresner and Zoey Green from Or Shalom Synagogue for hosting this event.
Our hope is to continue this practice and build upon the momentum already begun to deepen people of other religions and faith groups.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Robin Ruder-Celiz, Chair Ecumenical Multi-Faith Unit
45 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Report of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund Unit (Unit Group )
Bishop and Members of Synod,
The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund is the official development and relief agency of the Anglican Church of Canada. Funding is provided for emergency relief, support for refugees, sustainable community development projects, and advocacy for social and environmental justice in Canada and worldwide.
The diocesan unit fulfills a mandate for creating awareness of PWRDF. The unit liaises with parish representatives and arranges twice yearly meetings to share information on programs, resources, and parish activities and encourages appointment of representatives in all parishes. It welcomes invitations from parishes to attend PWRDF focused worship and events and to speak about PWRDF. It plans diocesan events to keep members of the diocese informed about PWRDF. The unit liaises with the national office and participates in nationwide meetings.
In 2015-16 the unit held twice yearly meetings with parish representatives, with the November meetings planned as a follow up to the national forums and AGM attended by the diocesan representatives. In March 2015, Peter Goodwin, participated in the PWRDF Food Security Delegation to Cuba. Upon his return he gave a Power Point presentation to diocesan synod of his experience and the work being done by PWRDF partners in Cuba. Presentations were also given in approximately a dozen parishes regarding the Cuban trip and other aspects of PWRDF’s work. Following the Cuban visit the diocesan unit fundraised to build a greenhouse at the parish where members of the delegation stayed the purpose being to provide more year round fresh produce and obtain greater food security. The unit is grateful to members of the diocese for their giving of over $8000. The unit participated with other dioceses in PWRDF’s involvement in Ride for Refuge. Team PWRDF Vancouver was joined in 2016 by the Divine Dashers from St. John the Divine Maple Ridge. In 2015 and 2016 parishes were encouraged to recognize PWRDF on Reign of Christ Sunday. Prayers of the People and a liturgy prepared by the unit along with PWRDF partner stories and projects to support were distributed to parishes for the purpose and followed up with additional material for Lent.
Plans for 2017 include meetings with parish representatives, a presentation to Synod, ongoing parish visits and presentations, participation in Ride for Refuge, a review of designating Reign of Christ for PWRDF, and working with other units such as Eco- Justice and Refugees.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Goodwin, Chair, Diocesan Unit and PWRDF Diocesan Representative Unit members: Rev Margaret Marquardt, Denise Hambidge
Synod Convening Circular 2017 46 Report of the Refugee Unit (Unit Group)
Bishop and Members of Synod:
The Diocesan Refugee Unit facilitates the Diocese’s commitment and responsibility as a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) through maintaining working relationships with CIC, the Association of Sponsorship Agreement Holders, the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR), the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP), and PWRDF in addition to other local and national organizations; and assists parishes in the sponsorship and resettlement of refugees.
The Reverend Michael McGee Chaired the Diocesan Refugee Unit until mid-2016. At that time, the Rev. Ruth Monette, the Ven. Douglas Fenton, and I worked to reestablish the DRU. Regular planning meetings began in September of 2016. We then hired Shakuntala (Satori) Soden as a part-time paid refugee coordinator for the Diocese.
In 2016, our main emphasis was to submit as many valid applications as we could. Over the course of 2016, there were applications submitted for 40 refugees. Those refugees are from Syria, Iraq, and Somalia. Sponsoring groups were from a variety of sources, including individual churches, groups of churches, community groups and families co-sponsoring with churches, and a Synagogue.
We have received allocations from IRCC for this year. We requested 65 allocated spaces, but received only 12. This allows us to submit applications for 12 of the 21 individuals currently on our waitlist. We will be doing everything we can to find spaces for the other refugees. Any parishes or groups interested in new sponsorships will be encouraged to consider a Blended Visa Office Referred (BVOR) sponsorship or work with Rainbow Refugee Canada. These options do not require allocated spaces, the Canadian government shares costs, and the refugees arrive in Canada more quickly.
For 2017, we intend to: - Increase communication with parishes via the Diocesan Website. - Provide information to parishes intending to sponsor so that they are prepared when the refugees arrive. - Provide ongoing communication with sponsoring groups to ensure they have the support they require. - Work with IRCC to find enough allocated spaces to allow interested and prepared groups to sponsor refugees. - Develop template materials to efficiently provide information at key times in sponsorship. - Shakuntala Soden will continue to attend training opportunities so that she can provide accurate and up-to-date information to the DRU and sponsoring groups. - Work with parishes to support preparation of appropriate sponsorship plans and applications.
Respectfully submitted, Shannon Muir, Chair
Unit Members: Shakuntala Soden, Ann Frost, Joanne Graham, Patricia Radcliffe, Jeremy Overton, Rev. Stephen Laskey, and Mary Lymburner. With Diocesan Office assistance from the Rev. Ruth Monette, the Ven. Douglas Fenton and Phil Colvin.
47 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Report of the 127 Housing Society (Related Group)
Bishop and Members of Synod,
Over the past two years, while continuing its core work of housing 258 low-income seniors and disabled people, the 127 Society for Housing focused on planning, building, and moving into new Jubilee House at 1099 Richards Street, which replaced the old Jubilee House, the Society’s first low- income apartment building.
A decade ago we knew that old Jubilee House was at the end of its useful life, but there was no federal or provincial money to replace it. The City of Vancouver, Brenhill Developments and the 127 Society came up with a creative solution. The City swapped the land under old Jubilee House for the land directly across Helmcken Street owned by Brenhill, and used zoning tools and the Civic Amenity Contributions generated from the tower Brenhill proposed for the old site to enable construction of a new Jubilee House for social housing.
At the first development permit hearing for new Jubilee House in 2013, some near neighbours opposed it. Eventually opponents organized as the Community Association of New Yaletown (CANY) and took the City and Brenhill Development to court to stop the project. They won the first round and construction of new Jubilee House was halted. Then in April 2015, the BC Appeals Court unanimously overturned the lower court decision.
With the legal clouds cleared, construction of the building continued apace. We brought the 127 Society’s approach to community-centred social housing to bear on the planning of common spaces with a large multi-purpose room, tenant library, low-cost food store, and rooftop garden. The building offers accommodation for not only the Society’s 87 tenants but also an additional 75 units that are rented at low-end-of-market prices. The income from these provides the small revenue stream that subsidizes rents for the very low-income tenants.
At the public opening in September 2016, Dean Peter Elliott from Christ Church Cathedral opened the festivities with observations about the theological meaning of “Jubilee”, reminding us that the building’s name is rooted in the vision of “an economic revolution that would give everyone a home.” It was wonderful to see tenants and donors, city councillors and staff, architects and developers talking together and enjoying over the building. Tenants who moved across the street from old Jubilee House are delighted with their new, bright, airy apartments.
The 127 Society’s founder, Hilda Gregory, passed away just over two years ago, and this past December 2016, we lost Cynthia Llewellyn, the last of the group of five inspired Anglicans who established the 127 Society for Housing in 1981. They are greatly missed. The 127 Society is resolved to keep alive their commitment to put faith into action through practical service to our neighbours.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Seidl President, The 127 Society for Housing
Synod Convening Circular 2017 48 Report of the Camp Artaban Society (Related Group)
Bishop and Members of Synod,
Over the past two years, while quiet on the surface, much has been done to enable Camp Artaban to open again. As we plan Camp’s future, we are mindful that it belongs to God and we continually seek His guidance on how best to glorify Him through camp and its ministry.
Thanks to a very generous donation, a number of upgrades were completed in 2015 and 2016 including an upgrade to the water system, repairs to many of the kitchen appliances, a new roof on the Recreation Hall and renovations to some of the buildings.
In the summer of 2016 we opened for a shortened season, running three camps. While the camper numbers for Junior Coed, Senior Coed and Family Camp were not the largest we’ve ever accommodated, they were, by all accounts, some of the best summer camp sessions ever. Some of our favourite quotes of the summer were: “This has been the best week of my life”, “My sons had a blast’ they wanted to stay and send me home!” and “I can’t wait to come back next year”. We also welcomed new and older friends up to camp during a sold out Visitor’s Day.
Outside of our camping season, we continued to build our income through rental revenue. During the past two off-seasons, Camp Artaban has played host to a number of renters, many of whom book with us year on year. We are grateful for their continued support. As we move forward, we are looking to build on these successes and look for new ways to engage with schools, businesses and community organizations. We also look to build on our current weddings market.
We are very excited to be building on the 2016 season and offering seven camps throughout July. Registrations are coming in, directors are in place and the call is out for those wishing to apply for permanent staff. With camps for our first time campers who will be going into grade 3 right up to our all ages family camp, we are confident there is a session for everyone.
This is only possible through the financial support and countless volunteer hours by those who would say: “there is something about this place…”. We continue to be blessed by the many donors who support Camp Artaban financially. Going forward, we will explore avenues of financial partnership and increase our donor base to further God’s work through this ministry. Thank you to all who have donated and continue to donate and who have kept faith with our mission to challenge children, youth, and adults, spiritually, mentally and physically in a camping context; so that they may be brought into a closer relationship with God and each other in a loving community.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandi LaCharite President/Chair, Camp Artaban Society
49 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Report of the Coming Home Society (Related Group) Bishop and Members of Synod,
The Coming Home Society has completed the first year of its ‘Wisdom of Elders’ program, which was started with grants from the Anglican Foundation and the United Church Healing Fund. Thanks to this funding, and your support, the ‘Wisdom of Elders’ program has been able to add the presence of First Nations Elders to programs offered by Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA). Elders are sharing their cultural knowledge, their artistic skills, and their spirituality.
Over the past year an Elder has offered spiritual counselling and cleansing ceremonies. Other Elders have taught youth how to make medicine bags and drums. Youth have learned about traditional plant use, made a medicinal salve, and planted a healing garden. They have paddled a traditional canoe and learned the protocols and importance of the First Nations’ canoe. As a memento and for future use, they carved their own paddles. Upcoming activities include bentwood box making, cedar harvesting, and cedar bark hat weaving classes.
Feedback from youth has been overwhelmingly positive. After a cleansing ceremony with an Elder one young lady said “I am so thankful….it brought out everything that was hurting on the inside. He somehow knew what was going on for me…I felt dizzy and light…. like a huge weight was lifted from my body…. I felt happy.”
Staff members are excited about the space the ‘Wisdom of Elders’ program is creating in the lives of youth for self-care and community connection. Young people are finding a sense of identity and belonging. The Elders are also providing a space for youth to ask questions that they can’t ask anywhere else. There is great relief when they discover that many personal and family issues are not their fault, but are tied to the trauma of the Residential School system.
The Coming Home Society hosted a very enjoyable dinner at UNYA in January to showcase the ‘Wisdom of Elders’ program and build connections to the church community. The ‘Wisdom of Elders’ program honors the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s call to churches to:
• Respect Indigenous peoples’ right to self- determination in spiritual matters, including the right to practise, develop, and teach their own spiritual and religious traditions, customs, and ceremonies (48ii) • Establish funding for aboriginal community controlled projects for healing and reconciliation, culture and language revitalization, education and relationship building and dialogues between youth and Indigenous spiritual leaders (61).
Please support the Coming Home Society in continuing to offer this amazing program!
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Adams President, the Coming Home Society
Synod Convening Circular 2017 50 Report of the Mission to Seafarers (Related Group)
Bishop and Members of Synod,
The MtS began in 1835 with an Anglican priest, the Rev’d Ashley who by the Bristol Channel in SW England felt the call to minister to those working on the ships. MtS staff and volunteers have been serving seafarers in Vancouver since 1901 with our 2016 mandate being ‘to promote and provide for the spiritual, physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of all seafarers and their families.’ We are the only people who go on a ship specifically for the seafarers, a ministry of presence on ships and in our centres. It is also an ecumenical ministry in that we partner with the Apostleship of the Sea and the Christian Reformed Church.
Happenings: • The new Senior Port Chaplain the Revd. Peter Smyth began September 1 st 2016 • The Annual Cycle for Seafarers in September 2016 was a fun event despite heavy rain • The basement of the Waterfront Centre was refurbished due to flooding in early 2016 and drainage work was completed around the entire perimeter of the building. • The Primate Fred Hiltz made a visit in Oct 2016 marking the 160 th year since MtS began. • ‘Christmas at Sea’ in which 1300 gifts were given to seafarers on ships at anchor, due to donations gratefully received from parishes and elsewhere • Bishop Melissa and husband Eric brought Christmas presents to 2 ships in port. • The MtS had a booth at the Vancouver Boat Show and Mission Fest in January 2017 • The MtS gave support to the crews of the Hanjin vessels at anchor in our waters. • At a time of transition we have a Strategic Plan 2017-2021. Issues identified are promotion, finances, governance and improved service to seafarers. • Worldwide MtS Regional Directors meeting in Vancouver BC in September 2017 • International Day of the Seafarer Sunday June 25 th 2017
STATISTICS At Robert’s Bank (Delta Port) 30-35 ships are visited each month At Burrard Inlet (Waterfront Vancouver) 75 – 80 ships are visited each month. No of seafarer visits in 2016 to Robert’s Bank Centre 10,952 /Waterfront Centre – 2,825
The Revd. Peter is very willing to ‘ sh are the story of the seafarer’ during a service or at another time to a church or other group. Thank you to the members for your ongoing support including prayers for the seafarers, their families and the Mission which cares for them.
Respectfully submitted,
The Revd. Peter Smyth Senior Port Chaplain, Mission to Seafarers, Port of Vancouver
51 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Report of Sorrento Retreat and Conference Centre (Related Group) Bishop and Members of Synod,
Sorrento Centre is located on the territorial lands of the Secwepemc peoples on the shores of Shuswap Lake, BC in the Diocese of Kootenay. For over 54 years, this holy place has provided opportunities for community, faith formation, innovative worship, youth ministry, personal development, theological education and restoration of the soul.
Sorrento Centre has two areas of ministry. It is a retreat centre: providing courses and workshops for spiritual development and learning through programming. Since 2015, over 1900 people were registered participant in our program retreat ministry. This includes folks from the ages of 1 month up to 94 year olds! We value our intention to be intergenerational and inclusive in our welcome! The Five Weeks of Summer Courses and the spring and fall programs were offered on music, justice and food security, science and theology, the arts, scripture, theology, creation care, Circles of Trust, holy walking and pilgrimage, to name only a few.
Sorrento Centre is a conference centre that offers the ministry of hospitality and facility usage to groups who utilize and rent the space for their own purposes and programming. Over 4770 people have participated in our conference centre ministry over the past two years. This important ministry of welcome engages people from beyond the faith community to experience rest, renewal, learning healing and belonging on this beautiful site. It is important outreach and witness.
Sorrento Centre continues in its commitment and mission to provide excellence in youth ministry and leadership development. Two onsite retreats are held yearly in partnership with the BCYAYM and the Diocese of New Westminster youth ministry team. Between 50 -70 young people from BC and Alberta gathered on the long weekends in February for the Winter Retreat and in May for the Young Sojourners retreats. Our summer youth staff program also attracts young people for summer employment and leadership training. This life changing experience is a vital ministry of faith formation, leadership development and community.
The Sorrento Centre Farm continues to provide educational opportunities to guests, volunteers, staff and the local neighbours in the areas of organic farming practices, food security issues and creation care. This popular aspect of the Centre’s mission continues to grow!
Fund Development and Future Plans: The Sorrento Centre Board has engaged in reflection and a reorientation of focus concerning fund development. The Capital Campaign begun in 2012 wound down its efforts, and in the spring of 2015, the board initiated the development of an annual campaign model. The board is listening deeply to the needs of donors and partners, and implementing necessary steps to establish confidence in future initiatives. The creation of a clear business plan, the reassessment of building needs and cost analysis, establishing secure trust tools for growth, will contribute to a strong future. The Abiding Gift: Abiding Presence Annual Appeal began in 2017 and will re-engage our many supporters, forge new partners and friends as we move into God’s future for this “holy place of transformation for learning, healing and belonging”. The important ministry of Sorrento Centre is able to continue through the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the generous support of many. The Diocese of New Westminster’s prayers, participation and partnership have helped the ministry and work that this “Holy Place of Transformation” provides. We are grateful. Thank you for your support as one of our founding partners. Thank God for you.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Louise Peters, Executive Director, Sorrento Retreat and Conference Centre
Synod Convening Circular 2017 52 Repor t of the Vancouver School of Theology (Related Group) Dear Bishop and Members of Synod,
Vancouver School of Theology is a theological graduate school preparing candidates for Christian leadership in the church and the world in respectful collaboration with other faith traditions and Indigenous people.
Sauder School of Business Partnership and Initiative : Our denominational partners have indicated to us that leadership in the church requires intelligence in the areas of finance, coaching and mentoring, administrative excellence and strategic thinking. We have established a strategic partnership with the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia to help our graduates better prepare for ministry (2016-2017).
Faculty/Staff : Prof. Harry Maier is on sabbatical. The Rev. Janet Gear won the 2016 Roy M. Davidson Trust Award. The Rev. Dr. Stephen Farris was made professor Emeritus in September of 2016. The Rev. Dr. Ross Lockhart had a tenure review. The Rev. Dr. Jason Byassee applied for promotion in professorial rank. Our faculty are incredibly busy both in speaking engagements and in publications. A book launch was held at VST in September of 2016 to celebrate numerous publications. Mr. Lonnie Delisle, Music Director at Canadian Memorial United Church and Director of Universal Gospel Choir, has been hired as Musician-in-Residence.
Continuing Education 2016 -2017 : In September 2016, Bishop Melissa Skelton was our Somerville Lecturer on The Spirituality of Benedict of Nursia. In May of 2017 our annual inter-religious conference on the topic of “Visions of the End Times” brings together scholars of different faith traditions. Summer School 2016 had 9 courses taught over two weeks to 130 participants, the best attendance we have seen in five years. Summer school 2017 takes place in July- August 2017. The Rev. Dr. Kate Bruce, a homiletics professor at Durham University, UK, who is also a stand-up comic!, will teach “Preaching: Igniting the Heart or Losing the Will to Live?” For the entire program see: http://vst.edu/vst-summer-school/summer-school-2016. The Native Ministries Consortium Summer School also takes place at VST in July. Courses include “The Doctrine of Discovery, A ‘Christian Empire’ and the Colonialization of the New World,’ with Mark Charles. For the entire program see: http://vst.edu/isc/isc-about/continuing-education/nmc-summer-school .
VST Academy : The Vancouver School of Theology goes ‘on the road’ twice a year. Following on the success of our January 2016 mini-M.Div. at Hillhurst United, we will bring our educational program to Victoria, Calgary, Bellingham, WA., and Courtney/Comox. Our faculty are currently developing an inventory of mini-courses so that congregations can select the offerings most pertinent to their context.
Academic Enrollment/Convocation 2017 : The number of full-time equivalent students in the fall of 2016 was 68 an improvement from fall 2015. In the spring, registrations in degree programs were less than the previous year. This challenge requires our attention. The Anglican Church of Canada has the second largest (37) cohort of students. VST has students from at least 15 Christian denominations. 10 Jewish students are registered in courses. Most students are registered in the M.Div. program. Jill Jackson, won the 2016 Charles Helfling Student Prize from the Anglican Theological Review with her essay “Reordering Desires: A Trinitarian Lens on Eating Disorders. On May 8, 2017, we confer degrees and certificates on 25 graduates at convocation at Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver. We confer honourary doctorates on The Rev. Christopher Ferguson, General Secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu (in
53 Synod Convening Circular 2017
absentia). Archbishop Tutu we hope will be present via a recorded message his degree and hood will be delivered to him at a future date.
Finances: VST achieved a balanced budget in the fiscal year 2015-2016. We have established the VST Foundation which holds 35 million dollars with an expert board to manage its assets. We draw a revenue stream of 4% from the Foundation for the operations of the school and the capital has increased. Donations remain steady from a decreasing number of donors. We are developing a strategy to increase our donor base.
We offer thanks for the partnership we have with the Diocese of New Westminster as together we participate in God’s reconciling mission through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Dr. Richard Topping, Principal, Vancouver School of Theology
Report of the Society of Anglican Church Women
Bishop and Members of Synod,
I am once again pleased to report that the Anglican Church Women of the Diocese of New Westminster continue to work tirelessly at both the Parish and Diocesan level – with Area meetings being held three times a year and an Annual General Meeting in April each year. We are very honoured that 17 of our members received the Order of the Diocese (since our last report in March 2015) in recognition of their personal contributions to the Diocese.
2016 was a noteworthy year as we had the pleasure of hosting the National ACW Presidents’ Conference (which was also attended by the Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, and Bishop Barbara Andrews representing the Council of the North) – and we were able to show them ACW Place where dedicated members sort donations and pack the Northern Bales; and make Layettes for the Bales – as well as for local distribution. We invite all Anglican Women to participate in any or all of our activities – some of which include: • Supplying/packing the Bales of clothing and household linens for parishes in the Diocese of the Yukon as well as for the Punky Lake Wilderness Society (a First Nations agency near Williams Lake, BC) • Supplying toques and warm (woolen) work socks to Mission to Seafarers • Supplying warm clothing to those in need locally, including many refugee families. • This year we responded to an appeal for children’s’ warm coats/shoes/boots for an Elementary and High School in Quesnel, BC • Supplying layettes to new parents - especially those with low incomes • Collecting “grains of salt” - little items that can make a big difference, o used postage stamps (funds used to support clergy training in the Arctic) o pop can tabs and aluminum foil pie plates (funds used to send children with kidney disease to Dialysis camp) o Travel sized soaps and shampoos for transition houses and homeless shelters
Our Members continue to work in their own parish ministries in many ways – whether it is as one of our newer Fellowship Branches; or one of the traditional Branches still involved in such things as bazaars, teas, and cooking, or by knitting blankets, mittens, toques etc.
Synod Convening Circular 2017 54 We continue to compare the market variations which affect both the Consolidated Trust Fund and our VanCity Investments and once again, the CTF has proven to be the more profitable – but together they provide a sufficient income to allow us to operate and expand our Outreach.
As an extension of our outreach, we sent an ACW President from the Territory of the People (Quesnel) - formerly in the APCI - to the 2015 and 2016 National ACW Presidents’ Conferences in Newfoundland and Langley, BC, respectively. We successfully challenged the Diocese to match our funding of the VGH Chaplaincy for 2016. We then celebrated the delivery and dedication of the Archival Display Cabinets for the Synod Office Foyer which we funded in recognition of the work of the WA and ACW Members Past and Present.
We again invite any Diocesan group wishing to use the Board Room at ACW Place for a meeting of 15-20 people to contact us at us at [email protected] . Suggestions are welcome, so if any Parish knows of a need we can possibly fill, please let us know.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Warwick, President Anglican Church Women
Report of the Diocesan Archivist
Bishop and Members of Synod,
I am pleased to report on the current status of the Diocesan Archives. At the time of my last report 2 years ago, I had just moved the entire collection into short-term storage while we waited for the new space at 1410 Nanton to be completed. As you know, that was completed in summer of 2015, and we were able to move in at that time.
Any concerns I might have had about seeing a decrease in use once we moved were quickly alleviated. The archives has been as busy as ever. I continue to field over 300 requests for information and research per year – these mostly from the public, though also from parishes, the diocesan staff, and related groups. I have had 6 students come in to either volunteer or do practicums with me. They are assigned projects from photo digitization to records processing and data entry.
Exciting developments and projects I have on the go include: • The donation of 6 archival display cabinets from the Diocesan Board of the Anglican Church Women! These cabinets can be viewed in the lobby and corridor of the Diocesan Offices at 1410 Nantion. This has been an amazing opportunity to share more of our history with the wider church and public, and I am able to curate exhibits to honour holidays (Remembrance Day) and special anniversaries (40th Anniversary of the Ordination of women to the priesthood) as well as feature special collections within our holdings. • I have begun digitizing VHS tapes using an old VCR! This allows us to continue to be able to view tapes of events, educational offerings and interviews • …speaking of interviews, with the help of Communications Director, Randy Murray we have begun the archives’ second round of oral/video history interviews. The last set were done by my predecessor in the early 1990’s. We began with a very successful interview with Archbishop Douglas Hambidge, and hope to continue the series in order to capture a variety of perspectives on the unfolding history of the Diocese 55 Synod Convening Circular 2017
• The parish of St. Faith, Vancouver, was kind enough to give the archives a grant to purchase a USB turntable, which has allowed me to begin digitizing vinyl and other records. Some of our holdings in this format include Indigenous storytelling and singing that has not been heard in decades. I was able to bring the recordings in digital format to the communities, and they were very touched.
In my wider professional archival community, I was appointed to a special Association of Canadian Archivists Task Force responsible for responding to the TRC Calls to Action which were directed to archives and heritage organizations. We are in the midst of a fairly large community engagement survey which we hope will help non-Indigenous archivists respond more appropriately to issues of Indigenous records held in their archives, and learn to better understand Indigenous ways of knowing. In the last year I have presented papers and been asked to speak on archives in Oneida (Wisconsin), Montreal, Saskatoon, and Regina. I continue to manage the list-serv for the Canada- wide Anglican Diocesan Archivists group, and continue to foster close relationships with the UBC School for Library, Archival and Information Studies through 2 annual lectures given on Faith Archives and Social Justice.
I am always grateful for the volunteers who help to make all of this work possible – Sandra Harrison for her amazing and prolific records processing; Ronald Harrison for his keen research skills; and my newest volunteer – the Rt. Rev. Michael Ingham!
Thank you to all who continue to support and encourage the work of history-keeping and archives in this diocese.
Respectfully submitted, Melanie Delva, Archivist
Report of the Diocesan School for Parish
Development
Bishop and Members of Synod,
The Diocesan School for Parish Development offered another successful year in 2016. We ran the Year A program, which focuses on the foundational material of models: lenses that allow us to look at our congregations and assess them. They are not helpful in all situations nor can they capture the complexity of everything but they can bring a helpful way of framing situations that we all face in our places. We spent time thinking about self as leader using the Myers Briggs typology indicator and we explored conflict and facilitation skills.
In all of the work that we do at the school, we spend time working on self, small groups and whole systems. We continue to work towards developing a common language and community of practice within our Diocese for congregational development.
This was the second year that we offered the weekend non-residential program out of the Synod office and completed of one full cycle in this format with the Rev. Jeremy Clark-King as Director, Kim Hodge and the Rev. Lynne McNaughton as trainers.
The same program was offered in the weeklong format with the Rev. Marnie Peterson as Director, the Rev. Jeremy Clark-King, the Rev. Lynne McNaughton, the Rev. Louie Engnan, the Rev. Andrew Halliday, Ms. Maureen Simons, Ms. Tasha Carrothers, the Rev. Alissa Newton and the Rev. Stephen
Synod Convening Circular 2017 56 Crippen from the Diocese of Olympia as trainers. With the closure of Rosemary Heights retreat centre, this program moved to the UBC campus which proved to be slightly more crowded than we had been accustomed to over the past 4 years, sharing the space with the many students that take over the campus in the summertime. We are looking forward to moving to the Vancouver School of Theology for the 2017 weeklong program. The weekend program will remain non-residential and be offered out of the Synod office.
This summer we were very excited to welcome participants from the Dioceses of Niagara, Calgary, Edmonton, Huron, The Territory of the People (APCI) and Kootenay. As of this year three quarters of the parishes of this Diocese have participated in the program. As we continue to work towards the goal of growing communities of faith, with leaders who can help their faith communities engage and respond to the many challenges that surround them, I am pleased that this continues to be a resource that we offer.
The Rev. Marnie Peterson Director, Diocesan School for Parish Development
Report of the Delegates to General Synod
Bishop and Members of Synod,
The delegates to General Synod 2016 in Richmond, Ontario (elected by 2015 Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster) were:
Bishop Melissa Skelton Lay Delegates: Ms. Melanie Delva Clergy: Mr. Robert Dickon The Venerable Douglas Fenton Mr. Cameron Gutjahr The Very Rev. Peter Elliott The Venerable Lynne McNaughton Youth: Abby Cline
Also important to name the election from our province to the Council of General Synod, as these are the people who represent us in the ongoing work of General Synod leading up to General Synod 2019: Bishop: Larry Robertson, Diocese of Yukon Clergy: Clara Plamondon, Diocese of British Columbia Lay: Melanie Delva, Diocese of New Westminster Randall Fairey, Diocese of Kootenay Youth: Dale Drozda, The Territory of the People
Deputy Prolocutor election: Lynne McNaughton.
Highlights of the proceedings and the resolutions may be found: http://www.anglican.ca/gs2016
Respectfully submitted, The delegates to General Synod
57 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Report of the Education for Ministry Program
Bishop and Members of Synod,
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a course of study in theology designed for laypersons. In the Diocese, EFM is also used by some who are in discernment of vocation to the Diaconate. Over the course of four (4) years groups explore the Old Testament, New Testament, Church History and “applied theology,” with the goal of living a mature, integrated, Christ-centered life in light of Scripture, the traditions of the church, the culture in which we live and the realities of life in community. The Rev’d Andrew Wilhelm- Boyles serves as Diocesan Coordinator, and in June of 2016 the Rev’d Paula Porter Leggett was appointed as his assistant coordinator (“recycled” Coordinator from 1995 – 2002).
Coordinators recruit mentors to facilitate EfM seminar groups and give them support especially by arranging the training for certification and recertification required every year. The Coordinators represent EFM to the diocese alongside our mentors, and direct prospective participants to groups in their region. We were also able to have a mentor gathering in February 2016 and plan to do so annually.
Our focus in 2016-17 included the organization of Graduation& Eucharist with Bishop Melissa presiding (June); Mentor training events in September 2015, June and September 2016, and the formation of two new groups based at Christ Church Cathedral, serving the parishes of central Vancouver. The co-mentors of these groups are Wendy Hannington (St. Margaret’s Cedar Cottage) and Dr. James Berger, (Gloria Dei Lutheran).
Thanks to • the Very Rev’d Dean Peter Elliott, the Rev’d Dr. Ellen Clark King (prior to her departure) and the staff at the Cathedral for their strong support; and to Ann and John Kowalchuk, for their essential assistance in promoting EfM in the Cathedral; • Mentor-training hosts: to St. John the Apostle, Port Moody and the Rev’d Anne Anchor;, and St. Andrew, Langley and the Rev’d Paula Porter Leggett; • to St. Laurence Coquitlam and the Rev’d Wallace Shea for hosting the 2016 Graduation.
The 2017 Graduation & Eucharist will be hosted by St. Christopher’s, West Vancouver. For the first tine it will be held on a Saturday afternoon so that EfM participants in Sechelt may attend and return home in one day.
There are now 7 active EfM groups in the Diocese. In June 2016 we had thirteen graduates. We are also the location of the mentor for one of three on-line groups in Canada (6 members; The Rev’d Paula Porter Leggett, mentor). Our Diocesan Mentors & Groups are: Mary Brown, Betty Johns (Mission); Jennifer Burgoyne, John Bower (Chilliwack); Anne Anchor, Debbie Jones-Akiyama (Port Moody); Karen Saunders (Langley); Barry Goodwin, Jim Berger, Andrew Wilhelm-Boyles (North Vancouver); Meg Stephens, Taras Pakholchuk, Peter Lamb (Sechelt); and Wendy Hannington, Jim Berger (Christ Church Cathedral).
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev’d Andrew Wilhelm Boyles and the Rev’d Paula Porter Leggett Diocesan Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator Education for Ministry
Synod Convening Circular 2017 58 Report of the Indigenous Justice Ministries
Bishop and Members of Synod,
The need for an Indigenous Justice Coordinator was identified in 2013 by the team preparing for diocesan participation in the TRC BC National event. The position is currently part-time and is one expression of our diocesan commitment to reconciliation.
Brander McDonald (Cree), who has background in education, reconciliation, counselling, and church/indigenous relations with the Mennonites, started the position in Fall of 2014. In Feb. 2015, Father Matthew Johnson represented our diocese at the gathering for the demolition of St. Michael’s Residential School, Alert Bay. Brander organized a diocesan delegation to the closing ceremonies of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Ottawa in May 2015. He and Laurel Dykstra were lay and clergy delegates to the Anglican Council of Indigenous People’s Sacred Circle summer 2015. During 2015 and 2016 Brander coordinated sharing and learning circles and produced materials to support ongoing reconciliation at the parish level.
In the summer of 2016 Brander took an extended medical leave. The work that Brander initiated or supported, continues at the community level with modest scale reconciliation and indigenous justice projects all over the diocese. Linda Adams and Jerry Adams of the Coming Home Society and St. James; Vivian Seegers of Urban Aboriginal Ministry; Terry Aleck, Christine McLellan, John Denham, Nancy Denham, and Clarence Li on the Sunshine Coast; Ian McKenzie and Paula Sampson in Powell River; and archivist Melanie Delva all deserve special mention for their long-term faithfulness to this work.
At the Nov. 9, 2016 Diocesan Council meeting, an Indigenous Ministries Fund was formed consolidating the diocesan portion of the Columbia Coast Mission funds and moneys returned to the diocese from General Synod from the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement reimbursement.
In January of 2017, Laurel Dykstra came on as Interim Coordinator. Her focus is on the back-ground tasks of communications, planning and infrastructure so that Indigenous people are able to lead programming. In the early part of this year members of our diocese have attended a celebration of the Coming Home Society’s youth and elders program, participated in Hobiyee, the Nisga’a New Year celebration, walked in the February 14th Women’s Memorial March, and attended an interactive theatre piece: šx ʷʔ am ̓ət (home).
In the late spring we are looking forward to a “ministry fair” type event. Ecumenical partners, St. George’s Fort Langley, Rev. Paul Guiton, and Katsie and Kwantlen First Nations are planning a 35 km walk from Fort Langley to St. Mary’s residential school, Mission for June 2-4. Pat McSherry, Kelvin Bee, Rev. Matthew Johnson and the parish of St. James are planning a feast to honour residential school survivors and celebrating the next generation of leaders, Sept 23.
Groups and parishes are responding in different ways to the TRC and to an open letter from the Primate’s Committee on Discovery, Reconciliation, and Justice inviting all Anglicans to commit to reconciliation through prayer, learning, relationship-building and action. Thank you for all the ways that you are doing that.
Respectfully submitted, The Rev’d Laurel Dykstra Interim Indigenous Justice Ministries Coordinator 59 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Report of the Salal+Cedar Watershed Discipleship Community
Bishop and Members of Synod,
Salal + Cedar is a new ministry in the diocese. We are a little church community that worships outdoors, whose ministry is founded on the Fifth Mark of Mission: to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. In the short time we have been growing together, we have been building our capacity for this life-affirming work of the Church. We are sustained by regular meetings outside to worship by tidal pools, on mountains, on farms, in urban gardens, wayside forest sanctuaries; convening on bicycles, grimy with physical labour; praying together under the midday sun, or all night long on the mountain; knee-deep in sunlit ocean, or in snow by moonlight.
We are part of a wider church model called Watershed Discipleship. We believe that we have an opportunity to be disciples truly in the place where God has planted us: this watershed, where we live. What does it mean to be followers of the Jesus way here where the Fraser River meets the Salish Sea? What are the stories and who are the creatures of this place? What are our stories: as indigenous, settler, or immigrant people? As disciples in this watershed, we need to tell the truth about our history, to make reconciliation a living path for one another.
Salal + Cedar is a unique church plant; our ministry does not spring from one parish. Instead we are Anglicans and others drawn from churches around the region. Our sources of funding are also unusual for a church plant. Our initial funding came from the Anglican Initiatives Fund and the National Church Justice Office. We are forming relationships with parishes eager to fulfill their Fifth Mark of Mission, who are in turn invited into a financially-committed relationship with our community. We are looking to church and environmental grants to support us as we move towards financial sustainability.
Since beginning on the Autumnal Equinox 2015, we have met twice on Holy Saturday for an Ecological Stations of the Cross, and drawn families together for two Farm Nativities, telling the story of the birth of Jesus with live theatre and a collection of amenable animals. We have gathered together youth of many backgrounds for Sacred Earth Camp, a residential, outdoor primer in watershed discipleship. We have joined with similar communities in the Forest Church Network, and curated an online resource called the Wild Lectionary. Our home-grown Eucharistic Prayer has been approved for use in the diocese and shared as a resource throughout the Forest Church Network. In collaboration with Godly Play educators and scientists we developed three curriculum boxes for use in church schools. We have a beautiful website and a social media presence which help us to connect with one another and with the wider church and world. Eleven churches have invited us to come and animate their Sunday morning worship.
In the months to come, we anticipate Bike to Worship week in June, during which the Bishop has kindly agreed to bless some chain oil to be used in a bike ministry station in the downtown core. Sacred Earth Camp will be held again this summer, at the beautiful, community-focused Southlands Farm. We look forward to growing our community and our leadership team—come join us!
Respectfully Submitted, The Rev’d Laurel Dykstra Lini Hutchings Priest In Charge, Salal + Cedar Salal + Cedar Leadership Team
Synod Convening Circular 2017 60 Report of the Street Outreach Initiative
Bishop and Members of Synod,
Street-involved adults living in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side (DTES) struggle daily with poverty, mental illness, drug addiction, alcoholism, violence, social isolation, and with the legacy of past traumas. In the midst of this, Street Outreach Priest, Fr Matthew Johnson, seeks by word and deed, to remind each person he encounters of their infinite value in the eyes of God. The DTES is a parish where anything can and does happen, where no day is typical, and where Jesus Christ is found in the least expected persons and places.
The Year End 2016 marks the middle of a two-year Street Outreach funding partnership, between the Diocese of New Westminster (25%), St James Church (25%), and Individuals, Foundations, and Partner Churches (50%). If the Outreach is to continue, a renewed funding partnership, or a new coalition of sponsors, will be needed.
The Street Outreach Priest provides: • frontline pastoral care on the streets of the DTES • listening and pastoral/religious counseling • referral to survival services and shelters, provision of emergency meals • an invitation to visit St James Church — “to light a candle” or join the Liturgy • liaison with, and referral to, indigenous Teaching Elders • first-person accountability to Residential School survivors — on-street • pastoral care at medical, psychiatric, palliative, detox, and custodial facilities • resources for prayer and spiritual growth • selective short term counseling interventions • support for 12 step program participants by hearing 5th steps • funerals and memorial services— in church and at community residences • the sacraments of Holy Anointing, Reconciliation, and Holy Communion in situ • religious formation and baptismal preparation • room blessings • workshops and training on outreach techniques for parishes and clergy • initial response to complex trauma, and referral to counseling specialists • initial response to medical emergencies, and on-street first aid • referral to medical and counseling specialists familiar with street-involvement
Pastoral interaction between the Street Priest and neighbourhood members occurs on the streets and sidewalks of this community, in follow-up meetings, and on Sunday mornings on the Front Steps of St James Church. This is the core of the work.
Some community members respond to an invitation to St James Church. Street-involved visitors are welcomed, and invited to participate fully in the mysteries of the Holy Eucharist, Daily Prayer, and Holy Baptism. Many become active members and regular participants in daily or Sunday worship, and some become fully involved as volunteers and lay ministers, serving actively in the different ministries of the Church.
Special thanks to the Diocese of New Westminster and all its Supporters.
Respectfully submitted,
The Revd Fr Matthew Johnson, Street Outreach Priest, Downtown East Side 61 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Minutes of the 1 16th Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster
Friday, May 22 nd 2015 – Italian Cultural Centre
8:00 a.m. Registration Opened
9:00 a.m. The Synod opened with Eucharist and homily by Bishop Melissa Skelton
10:30 a.m. Simon Johnston (Chair of Synod Planning Committee) provided the Synod with announcements and housekeeping items and thanked the volunteers and synod office staff.
The Bishop acknowledged that the synod was meeting on the unceded territory of the lands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples . She expressed gratitude to the Coast Salish peoples, to delegates, visitors, Synod Office staff and ministers of the synod.
The Lay secretary presented the registration numbers to the Chancellor:
Registration of Synod was extended to 10 am due to Skytrain trouble.
158 Lay delegates 98 Clergy delegates Total: 256 delegates
The Chancellor declared that the Synod was duly constituted.
Regrets were received from:
Mr. Ian Thomas Ms. Anne Kessler
The Revd Barbara Blakely (Fri) The Revd Deacon Alisdair Smith
The Revd Lois Boxill The Revd Margaret Cornish The Revd Deacon Joych Locht The Revd Deacon Christine Magrega The Revd Deacon Trudi Shaw
The Revd Timothy Dutcher Walls (Sat) The Revd Michael Fuller (Sat) The Revd Paul Borthistle (Sat) The Revd Linda Varin (Sat) The Revd Michael Fuller (Sat)
Synod Convening Circular 2017 62 MOTION: Moved: The Venerable Douglas Fenton Seconded: Mr. George Cadman
THAT privileges of Synod be given to the following people:
Staff: Shailene Caparas Randy Murray Tasha Carrothers Caitlin Reilley Beck Phil Colvin Bill Siksay Robert Dickson Sandra Stevenson Brander McDonald Michèle van Teunenbroek Glen Mitchell
Postulants: Maryann Amor Mark Munn Holy Anonby Lucy Price Ross Bliss Paul Richards Helen Lingham Alex Wilson
Presenters and others: Simon Johnston Fred Oak Paul Bunnell Michael Murray Martin Knowles Duncan Watts-Grant Ray Morgan Selinde Krayenhoff Cliff Caprani Peter Goodwin CARRIED
10: 45 Appointments & Announcements of Sessional Committees
The members of the Synod Sessional Committees were introduced:
Resolutions: The Ven. John Struthers (Chair) Mr. Donald Paul Ms. Jennifer Dezell Mr. Pitman Potter
It was asked that the Synod disregard Resolution 1 in the Synod Circular as it was a draft only. The Synod was reminded that the deadline for resolutions was 12:30pm Saturday.
Nominations: The Revd Kelly Duncan (Chair ) The Revd Vivan Lam Mr. Tony Sauder
The committee spoke to its mandate to increase diversity in leadership, and reminded the Synod that nominations close at 2pm Friday.
63 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Memori als The Rev. Liz Hamel commended to Almighty God all previous members who have served the Synod who have died in the past year, and read the names.
Messages from Synod
MOTION: Moved: the Rev. Stephen Laskey Seconded: Ms. Miriam Mathew
THAT in accordance with our customs, this Synod send greetings to the following:
Her Majesty, Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada The Governor General of Canada, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston The Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper The Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, the Honourable Judith Guichon The Premier of British Columbia, the Honourable Christy Clark
The Squamish First Nation, and the Hereditary Chiefs Ian Campbell Gibby Jacob Bill Williams Richard Williams
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev’d and Right Honourable Justin Welby The Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Most Rev’d Frederick Hiltz The Metropolitan of the Province and Archbishop of the Diocese of Kootenay, the Most Rev’d John Privett The National Indigenous Bishop, the Right Rev’d Mark MacDonald The National Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Rev’d Susan Johnson
The retired Archbishop of the diocese: The Most Rev’d Douglas Hambidge
The bishops of the dioceses and ecclesiastical jurisdictions in British Columbia and Yukon Territory: Bishop of the Diocese of Yukon, the Right Rev’d Larry Robertson Bishop of the Diocese of Caledonia, the Right Rev’d William Anderson Bishop of the Diocese of British Columbia, the Right Rev’d Logan McMenamie Bishop Suffragan to the Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of British Columbia and Yukon for the Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior, the Right Rev’d Barbara Andrews Bishop of the British Columbia Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Rev’d Greg Mohr
The bishop of our neighbouring Diocese of Olympia of the Episcopal Church, the Right Rev’d Gregory Rickel
The bishop of our companion Diocese of Taiwan, the Right Rev’d David Lai
Our Ecumenical Partners: The President of the Executive Committee for the Canadian Council of Churches, the Rev. Canon Alyson Barnett-Cowan. The President of the BC Conference of the United Church of Canada, the Rev’d Karen Medlands The Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver, the Most Rev’d J. Michael Miller
Synod Convening Circular 2017 64 The Clerk of the Presbytery of Westminster of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, the Rev’d Diane Tait-Katerberg
CARRIED
Intr oduc tion of new clergy The Ven. Douglas Fenton introduced the new clergy who have joined the Diocese since the 115 th Session of Synod:
Deacons: The Rev. Liz Hamel The Rev. Connie Wilks Priests: The Rev. Robin Ruder Celiz The Rev. Karen Urquhart The Rev. Stephen Laskey
Adop tion of Agenda
MOTION: Moved: Mr. George Cadman
THAT the circulated agenda be adopted as printed. CARRIED Minutes of the 115 th Synod
MOTION Moved: Ms. Melanie Delva Seconded: The Rev. Andrew Halladay
That the Minutes of the 115 th Sessions of Synod be approved. CARRIED
Rece ipt of Written repo rts
Motion Moved: The Ven. Elizabeth Northcott Seconded: Ms. Nancy Southam
THAT the reports be received as circulated.
CARRIED
10:45 a.m. Program Report
Mr. Brander McDonald, Indigenous Justice Coordinator, gave a report on Indigenous Justice activities in the Diocese. As is customary protocol, he welcomed the Synod to Coast Salish territory. He also thanked the Rev’s Laurel Dykstra, Ian Mackenzie, Michael Batten, and Clarence Li for their support; the Ven. Douglas Fenton for call as candidate and to the hiring committee; the Bishop for taking the journey and for her advocacy; Archivist Melanie Delva for sharing history of First Nations in the area; and Mr. Randy Murray for website and communications help. Mr. McDonald explained that 3 areas valued by First Nations also align with bishops priorities – community, justice and indigenous justice. He states that they are about relationship and responsibility. He then outlined the activities he has been engaged with in the Diocese since he began the work in his position as well as highlighting 65 Synod Convening Circular 2017
upcoming events in conjunction with the closing events of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Ottawa.
The Bishop thanked Mr. McDonald and thanked him for his assistance in helping her to learn about this important area that we do not know enough about.
The Bishop brought the Synod’s attention to the written reports, and noted that this has been a year of incredible work as seen in the report. She let the synod know that the staff and committees are reconfiguring to advance the priorities of the Diocese
11:00 a.m. (be)longing for Community – Part 1
The Bishop introduced the theme [be]longing. She asserted that we long to belong, we long for longing, we longing for community. Loneliness and social isolation are common in our geographic context.
Longing for Community – video presentation.
Ms. Anika Robertson – St. Timothy Anglican Church and the Rev. Expedito Farinas asked the question: what is the longing for community? And told stories of their own searches for community.
The Rev. Ruth Monette introduced the table discussion. She stated that community in the church is often a place to belong with people you may not have otherwise ever met. She asked: Who is already in our community – ages, ethnicities, work status etc.? Who visits us? Who lives around our churches in the area?
11:24 Table group conversation: • What was the most memorable thing in the video? • Who was at your church last Sunday? • Who are the new people that your parish community could appeal to?
11:50 Representatives from some table groups reported their discussion.
12:03 Synod Office staff were introduced by the Bishop and the Ven. Douglas Fenton announced that the collection thus far was $4111.00 and reminded Synod delegates to give generously towards Indigenous Ministries in the Diocese of New Westminster.
12:07 p.m. Noonday Praye r followed by Lunch
1:17 p.m. Program Report
Dean Peter Elliott updated the synod on the progress on the Raise the Roof, Ring the Bells, Feed the Hungry! project. It is a $7.5m building project to conclude the 20 year renovation project. This is a 3 part project – replacing the Cathedral roof & completing seismic upgrades, installing a stained glass bell tower/spire with 5 Paccard bells and revitalizing the kitchen. Thus far $5.5m of the $7.5m has been raised.
Synod Convening Circular 2017 66 1:30 p.m. (be)longing for Community – Part 2
Mr. Ross Bliss and The Revd Jessica Schaap spoke to the longing for God and how it can be difficult to talk about. Our parishes can be a place where this is explored and felt. Some find their longing for God satisfied in ministry. It could be the material world (tasks) or one another (engaging with others). Speaking about our longing for God allows us to identify and honour what our parishes are already doing that assist us in allowing ourselves to find and be found by God.
1:53 p.m. The Rev. Marnie Peterson introduced table conversation: • Describe the God you, yourself long for. • Where or how are you experiencing the God you look for in your parish? • What are you hearing from people who visit or who have recently come to your parish about where or how they are experiencing God in your parish?
2:00 p.m. NO MINA TION S CLOSED
2:20 p.m. Representatives from some table groups reported their discussion.
2:30 p.m. Nominations Committee
The Rev. Kelly Duncan reported for the Nominations Committee.
Elections will be held for the following positions : • Lay – AIF • Lay – General Synod • Clergy – AIF • Youth – General Synod • Clergy - Board of Discipline • Clergy – Provincial Synod • Lay – Burrard • Lay – Provincial Synod • Lay - Vancouver • Clergy - BACA • Clergy - Vancouver • Lay - BACA • Clergy – General Synod
Voting will take place 8am – 8:55am tomorrow (Saturday).
2:45 p.m. Pro gram Repo rt
David Swan – St. Mary’s, Kerrisdale – Chair of Mission and Ministry Committee. care+share ministries are funded through donations, with 100% of fund contributeds going to the ministries.
Ms. Laura Berezan of St. David and S.t Paul, Powell River reported on the Sycamore Commons Permaculture project. The outpouring of generosity has allowed the project to do more than was initially envisioned including a community garden, bench, labyrinth.
The Rev. Matthew Johnson reported on the Street Outreach Ministry. He called to mind Bishop David Somerville’s vision of “a church without walls”. The Street Outreach Ministry establishes links between our lives in Christ and the daily life of our neighbours outside our walls on the Downtown East Side of Vancouver. There are many “programs” in the DTES but not a lot of opportunities for safe connection. As funding for this program through care+share is ending, the ministry is redefining funding partnerships for the future.
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The Revs Christine Wilson and Andrew Halladay reported on the Hudson Street Hub and Kerrisdale-Marpole Community Pastoral Resource Centre. It has ended up taking on the programs of the Hudson hall since the Hall’s closure. The Huub and Resource Centre support each other’s ministries and are a partnership of St. Augustine, Marpole and St. Faith.
Rev. Jessica Schaap spoke about the St. Paul’s Homeless Outreach Program. It emerged from the St. Paul’s Social Services program. This ministry sees trained volunteers and workers forming relationships with those who do not have a home and assisting them in finding stable housing. In the first year 136 people were assisted in acquiring housing.
3:00 p.m. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements – 2014
Mr. Bob Hardy, Diocesan Treasurer thanked the Management, Finance and Property Committee
Mr. Michael Ashby informed the synod that statements are included in their Synod packages - ending December 31, 2014 and have been audited by Rolfe Benson.
Mr. Bob Hardy pointed out to the Synod that accounts receivable from dissenting congregations have been removed and their contingent liabilities have also been dropped. In addition, the financial relationship with Camp Artaban has ended. He then thanked the staff at the Synod Office for their hard work and long hours.
MOTION: Moved: Mr. Bob Hardy Seconded: Mr. George Cadman
MOVED THAT the Financial Statements audited by Rolfe Benson - Dec. 31, 2014 be approved as printed and circulated. CARRIED
3:30 p.m. Resolutions
The Ven. John Struthers – Chair of Resolutions committee – no objections to the no debate list but they must be in the hands of members for 2 hours.
Resolution No. 1 Ms. Geri Grigg spoke to the motion. Living wage is based on what a family needs to earn to pay for rent, utilities and food. It allows a family to live with dignity and agency and participate in community. Poverty isolates people socially. Anglicans take steps to alleviate poverty but need to begin to address root causes of poverty. Do we pay our people a living wage? We need a system to see that we are paying wages that alleviate poverty and be living wage employers.
Revd Steve Bailey is the faith rep on Living Wage Committee. City of New Westminster is already a living wage employer as are others. The conversation in Vancouver is ongoing. We pray for the coming of the kingdom of God and committing to a living wage can welcome this.
The Rev. Stephanie Shepherd thanked the mover and seconder for the motion. We are still unclear about this in our parish life. We struggle with how to balance volunteers and staff. One of the grey areas is the artificial difference between an employee and a contract worker/ someone who receives an honorarium. We also need to think about benefits.
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The Revd Harold Munn of St. Anselm propsed a friendly amendment to add “exploring the process of becoming” thinking this might be more directive. Friendly amendment: “and direct the DC to commit to exploring”. The Chancellor stated that this was not necessary because it will go to Diocesan Council and be referred to a Standing Committee. Council could deal with this fairly quickly.
MOTION: Mov er: Geri Grigg Seconder: The Rev. Steve Bailey
RESOLVED THAT we affirm the Christian values inherent in the concept of the “Living Wage” and commit to exploring the process of becoming a Living Wage Employer through the leadership and direction of Diocesan Council and the appropriate Standing Committee over the next year. MOTION CARRIED
Resolutions – No Debate List MOVED: Mr. George Cadman SECONDED: Ms. Jennifer Dezell Resolution No. 2 (No Debate List)
Mover: The Standing Committee on Ministry & Mission No seconder required.
RESOLVED THAT the following programs receive funding through care+share through the two year period beginning January 1, 2016 and ending December 31, 2017:
(a) St. Paul’s Homeless Outreach Program (associated with St. Paul, West End); and (b) Community Support Ministry Collaboration Project: Hudson Street Hub and Kerrisdale- Marpole Community Pastoral Resource Centre (associated with St Augustine, Marpole and St. Faith, Vancouver)
Resolution No 3. (No Debate List)
Mover: The Rev. Jeremy Clark-King Seconder: The Rev. Dr. Richard Leggett
RESOLVED THAT this Synod the forward the following memorial to the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada:
MEMORIAL TO GENERAL SYNOD FROM THE SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF NEW WESTMINSTER
Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Whereas: 1. Oscar Arnulfo Romero incorporates all the traits ( Heroic faith, The fruit of the Spirit, Christian engagement, and Recognition by the Christian Community ) identified in the guiding principles for the work of the Anglican Church of Canada and its Faith, Worship and Ministry Committee that is reviewing the calendar of our church; and 2. Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Bishop of El Salvador, martyr, 1980, is commemorated in the Calendar of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada on March 24 th ; and 69 Synod Convening Circular 2017
3. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is in full communion with the Anglican Church of Canada; therefore,
Be it resolved that the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada add Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Bishop of El Salvador, martyr, 1980 to The Calendar of the Church Year on March 24 th , the date of his death.
Resolution No 4. (No Debate List)
Mover: The Venerable Douglas Fenton Seconder: The Reverend Wilmer Toyoken
RESOLVED THAT Synod requests the Bishop to send a message to Bishop Lai and the Clergy and Laity of the Diocese of Taiwan thanking them for their fifteen year partnership in prayer and visitations between our two dioceses and assuring them that as our Companion Diocese Agreement concludes we shall continue to hold them in prayer as we work together in God’s mission in the world.
Resolution No 5. (No Debate List)
Mover: The Venerable Douglas Fenton Seconder: The Reverend Wilmer Toyoken
RESOLVED THAT Synod requests the Bishop to appoint a Working Group to explore a new Companion Diocese Agreement and to report its recommendation to her and Diocesan Council before the Mission Conference convenes in 2016.
CARRIED
The Chancellor gave a reminder to the house that because of decisions made over the last 2 years, the house will not gather in synodical order (as a synod) next year, but in 2017. We will gather next year in a different format. This came out of the canonical amendments of the White Paper. The Diocesan Council is the place where the “business” work can be done. It is the “synod between synods”. The Standing Committees assist in the process.
3:31 Being an hour ahead of schedule, the Synod took a 10 min break
3:41 The Agenda was adjusted so that the Council of the North Presentation and the Mutual Ministry were moved from Saturday to Friday.
The Council of the North :
The Ven. Douglas Fenton explained that the Council of the North encompasses 9 regions in the country – 8 Dioceses and the Archdeaconry of Labrador. It was put together in the 1970’s to fund and support ministry in the North of Canada. The funds pay for clergy stipends and contribute to training. Our Diocese of New Westminster gives generously to the Council of the North. In our Province, Yukon, Caledonia and APCI are supported by these funds. The Ven. Fenton encouraged the members of Synod to think about, give thanks and give generously to the Council.
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3:54 p.m. Diocesan Mutual Ministry Review
The Bishop explained that part of her letter of agreement was that a process would be designed that would explore progress on the priorities of the Diocese, and gather feedback on the Bishop’s work. Leadership groups completed brief surveys, data was fed back for discussion, and feedback for the Bishop was completed and forwarded to outside consultant. Priorities explored were: relationship building, focusing the diocese on parish development, and Indigenous justice. Conversation between the consultant and Bishop is scheduled for May 27th, 2015 with a report to go to Diocesan Council in June and be made available on the Diocesan website. We continue to explore what are helpful ways for leadership groups to mutually give feedback.
4:06 Evening Prayer f ollowed by Adjournment
Saturday , May 23 rd 2015 – Italian Cultural Centre
8:00 a.m. Balloting and Late Registration
8:55 a.m. Balloting Closed
9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:30 a.m. Announcements
9:33 a.m. PWRDF
Mr. Peter Goodwin reported on the activities of the Diocesan PWRDF and the Fred Says food security program which exchanges knowledge on sustainable food production. There was a photo presentation of the Food Security delegation to Cuba – March, 2015. In the next year there will be a similar exchange with a group from Tanzania. It was announced that Reign of Christ Sunday shall be a time to focus on PWRDF in parishes.
9:54 a.m. (be)longing for an authentic Anglican expression of Christianity - Part 3
Longing for Anglican Expression/identity – video presentation.
The Ven. Lynne McNaughton and Mr. David Swan spoke about what it means to be Anglican and live into that identity. Anglican is not about Englishness, though it came out of a complex context in England. Anglicanism is not about being the “Tory party at prayer”. We hold a wide range of political opinions – we are about engagement, not parties. We are political Christians in the world. It is not monolithic but allows for a wide range of geographies and opinions. Indigenous worship allows for worship in many countries and places using the local traditions. Anglicanism affirms the authority of scripture interpreted in community. Anglicans are people of the Book – reason and tradition are used as lenses to interpret texts. Anglicans are synodical in authority – having shared, elected representation in decision-making. How we pray together shapes who we are. We pray through the day. Anglicanism has a distinctive temperament in the way it understands and approaches things.
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Individual reflection at tables: • What components of Anglican Spirituality or Temperament are the most attractive to you and why? • What components of Anglican Spirituality or Temperament are most powerfully expressed in your congregation? Where do you experience these?
10:42 Individuals shared their thoughts and conversations with the Synod.
Jerry Adams expressed concern about a lack of focus on Truth and Reconciliation in light of the ending of the Commission’s mandate next weekend. The Bishop apologized for this and spoke about the delegation going to the Ottawa TRC event. Dean Peter Elliott spoke to the events happening in Vancouver in parallel to the Ottawa events: the 22 Days program of General Synod and ringing of church bells. The end of the TRC is a new beginning May 31 st .
11:04 Budget 2015 and Vision Budgets for 2016 & 2017
Mr. Bob Hardy, Treasurer presented the budgets. Expenses and income are closely protected and managed. These are not just numbers but gifts that people give.
MOTION MOVED: Mr. Bob Hardy SECONDED: The Ven. Elizabeth Northcott
THAT the 2016 & 2017 Vision budgets be approved as printed and circulated. CARRIED
The Rev. Jeremy Clark-King asked a point of order if questions and comments on the budget could still be presented. The Chancellor reminded the synod that it had voted but that the chair could reopen for discussion. The Bishop told the Synod that there would be more time for discussion and questions in the afternoon session on Diocesan Resources.
The Chancellor reminded the synod that the cut-off for Resolutions is noon.
11:20 Mr. Jerry Adams of St. James, Vancouver led a delegation to speak further on the Residential Schools and TRC. Brander McDonald, Peter Elliott, Clarence Li, Patricia McSherry supported him. There is something about the Anglican Church that is interesting, in that survivors still want to have a relationship with the church and to build and heal the relationship. Brander McDonald asked the synod to discuss the question:
What can your local community do to enhance your engagement of bridge building with indigenous neighbours and parish followers to assist them in a sense of belonging and healing regarding the TRC?
Members of Synod responded to the question posed.
11:48 a.m. Noon Prayers followed by Lunch – including Youth Lunch with the Bishop
1:02 p.m. Pro gram Report
Vancouver General Hospital Chaplain program presentation – The Rev’d Liz Hamel is employed by the Diocese of New Westminster due to a generous donation from the parish of St. John, Shaughnessy. Hospital Chaplains are called Spiritual Care Workers at VGH. There is a 450-1 ratio
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of patient-spiritual care worker. Chaplaincy is different than spiritual care. The Anglican Chaplain represents the Anglican tradition before a word is spoken. A faith community across space and time is represented and brought. Two things to ask: 1. remind parishioners to let the hospital know that they are Anglican – don’t wait to be asked 2. Let Liz know if a parishioner is admitted to hospital.
1:15 p.m. Report of the Returning Officer
Ms. Susan Tufts presented the Report of the Returning Officer.
Anglican Initiative's Fund Fraser Archdeaconry: Clerical: (Clerical) Louie Engnan; (Lay) Joan Cope Stephanie Shepard Lay: General Synod Delegates - Clerical Margaret Briscall Heidi Brear; Peter Elliott; Bishop's Advisory Committee on Douglas Fenton; Appointments Lynne McNaughton; Brian Vickers Clerical: Neil Gray Alternates: Michael McGee Richard Leggett; Stephen Muir; Lay: Paula Porter-Leggett; Eric Harris Alisdair Smith; Susan McGee Patrick Blaney
Board of Discipline General Synod Delegates - Lay Abby Cline (Youth Delegate); Clerical: Melanie Delva; David Price Robert Dickson; Sharon Salomons; Cameron Gutjahr; John Stephens; Glen Mitchell; Jane Osler Lay: Margaret Briscall Alternates: Janet Hill Temiloluwa Alao (Youth Delegate); Andrew Stephens-Rennie Alex Starr; Pamela McElheran; Burrard Archdeaconry: Mary McIntyre; (Clerical) Expedito Farinas; (Lay) Mark Munn Alecia Greenfield; Simon Johnston and Capilano Archdeaconry: Chris Richards (Clerical Janice Lowell; (Lay) Ian Thomas Loughheed Archdeaconry: Diocesan Council Youth Representatives : (Clerical) Paul Bowie; (Lay) Maureen Simons Kimberly Blair; Christopher Sims
Treasurer Bob Hardy 73 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Provincial Synod Delegates - Clerical Alternate Ruth Monette; Anne Schreck Jessica Schaap Secretaries of Synod: Alternates: (Clerical) Howie Adan; (Lay) Kim Hodge Allen Doerksen; Janice Lowell Vancouver Archdeaconry: (Clerical) Richard Leggett; (Lay) Carol Provincial Synod Delegates - Lay Simpson Cameron Gutjahr; Mary McIntyre; Westminster Archdeaconry: Caitlin Reilley Beck (Clerical) Steve Thompson; (Lay) Maureen Thompson
MOTION: MOVED: Mr. George Cadman SECONDED: Mr. Donald Paul
Report of Returning Officer be received and save tracking alternates to General Synod and Provincial Synod that the ballots be destroyed. CARRIED The Ven. Douglas Fenton updated the synod that the current offering total is $6808.00 for Indigenous Ministries
1:15 p.m. Overview of Financial Resources
The Bishop and Treasurer presented and overview of Diocesan Resources.
1:55 Table conversations were invited on resources: • What did you learn from the presentation about the resources of the Diocese and the work we need to do for the future? • What input would you like to offer to the task force that will review our assessment calculation and make any recommendations for changes? • What other comments do you have for the Council and Committees as they work on aligning the management of all our resources with the mission and emerging priorities of our diocese?
2:16 Members of Synod were invited to present comments and/or questions
2:45 p.m. Resolutions
Resolution #8
MOTION: MOVED: Mr. Bob Hardy SECONDED: Mr. David Swan
RESOLVED THAT Synod requests that the Bishop appoint a task force to review the Assessment Formula; to bring recommendations regarding the Assessment Formula to the next regular Synod in 2017; and to provide an interim report to Diocesan Council by October 2016. CARRIED
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Resolution #6
A proposed amendment was not accepted as a “friendly amendment” and so was put to the synod for a vote:
MOTION: MOVED: The Very Rev. Peter Elliott SECONDED: The Ven. John Stephens
THAT “and ask DC to create a task group to propose practical ways to express this value” be added to the motion. CARRIED
MOTION: MOVED: The Rev. Vivian Lam SECONDED: The Rev. Kelly Duncan
RESOLVED THAT Synod affirms the value of diversity at all levels of church leadership structures, in order to more fully reflect the diversity of God’s people in the Diocese of New Westminster and better leverage their many gifts for the purpose of furthering the Gospel and ask DC to create a task group to propose practical ways to express this value. CARRIED
Resolution #7 Withdrawn
3:10 The Bishop and Ven. Douglas Fenton gave announcements on synod evaluation, Indigenous Justice website, anti-racism training
3:15 p.m. Reflections: Synod Highlights
The Bishop expressed that she was impressed and humbled by the reciprocal nature of what we are doing in the Synod, particularly the TRC conversation, financial conversations. The risk and trust of relationship creates emerging conversations.
3:17 p.m. Vote of Thanks
The Rev. Karen Urquhart presented the list of thanks to the Officers of Synod, the Synod Planning team, Synod Office staff, guests and speakers and the staff of the Italian Cultural Centre.
The B ishop gave her assent to the motions.
3:23 p.m. Evening Prayer and Commissioning of newly elected positions
3:34p.m. Adjournment
75 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Resolutions
76 / R.1 Synod Convening Circular 2017 Resolutions (Received as of May 11 , 2017 Further updates will be uploaded to the Synod page of the Diocesan website)
Resolution No. 1
MOVED/SECONDED Diocesan Council (no Second required for a motion proposed by Diocesan Council)
RESOLVED:
In order to ensure that that each Parish is entitled to no fewer than 2 Lay Delegates to Diocesan Synod as well as an additional Lay Delegate youth delegate, that Paragraph 1461 (a) of Canon 14 be amended by deleting the following:
Lay Alternate Lay Delegates Delegates for less than 100 1 3 for 100 but less than 200 2 3 and replacing it with the following:
Lay Alternate Lay Delegates Delegates for less than 200 2 3 so that Paragraph 1461 (a) of Canon 14 will now read as follows (effect of change shown in bold):
1461. (a) Each parish shall be entitled to a number of Lay Delegates and Alternate Lay Delegates based on the number of baptized persons of the age of 15 years or over on its membership roll as follows:
Lay Alternate Lay Delegates Delegates for less than 200 2 3 for 200 but less than 400 3 3 for 400 but less than 600 4 4 for 600 but less than 800 5 5 for 800 or more 6 6
Each of the foregoing Lay Delegates and Alternate Lay Delegates shall be communicants of at least one year's standing and shall be at least 15 years of age. [7(11)(a); amended 102nd, 107th & 117th Sessions]
Synod Convening Circular 2017 R.2
Resolution No. 2
MOVED/SECONDED Diocesan Council (no Second required for a motion proposed by Diocesan Council)
RESOLVED: In order to amend the assessment system in use in the Diocese and remove some of the costs of carrying out the operations and mission of the Diocese from the assessment costs and fund the same from investment income, this Synod does hereby: (a) Enact Regulation 24 as presented to Synod and attached as Annexure 1 to this resolution;
(b) Repeal the current Canon 30 (New Development Fund) and replace it in its entirety with Canon 30 (Mission & Ministry Fund) as presented to Synod and attached as Annexure 2 to this resolution; and
(c) Recommend to Diocesan Council that it enact Regulation 25 as presented to Synod and attached as Annexure 3 to this resolution
(d) Amend the Canons and Regulations of the Diocese by changing the name “New Development Fund” to “Mission and Ministry Fund” in each place that it appears in the Canons and Regulations.
(e) Authorizes the Constitution and Canons Committee to make such further consequential canonical changes to the Canons and Regulations of the diocese, arising out of clauses (a) to (d) of this resolution, in respect of grammar and nomenclature, as the Constitution and Canons Committee shall deem advisable provided that the same are merely corrective and do not change the intent of the provision changed. ATTACHED: Annexure 1 to Resolution 2 – (new) Regulation 24
Annexure 2 to Resolution 2 – (new) Canon 30
Annexure 3 to Resolution 2 – (new) Regulation 25
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ANNEXURE 1 - Draft Regulation 24
REGULATION 24 - FAIR SHARE ASSESSMENT AND DIOCESAN MINISTRY SUPPORT FUND
Index
Part 1 General Part 2 Interpretation Part 3 Calculation of and Payment of the Assessment of a Parish Part 4 Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Part 5 Reporting Requirements Part 6 Procedure Part 7 Appeals Part 8 Collection and Recovery of Unpaid Assessments Part 9 Effective Date and Transition Part 10 Consequential Amendments Schedule 1 Automatic Assessment Assistance to Parishes in 2018 Only
Part 1 - General
1.1 This Regulation is made by Synod and may only be amended by Synod.
1.2 The Fair Share Assessment and the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Assessment are the means by which the Parishes, as the members of the Diocese, participate together in God's mission by providing financial support to the ministries of the Diocese.
1.3 The Parishes’ Fair Share Assessment of the Synod Budget and the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Assessment is to be determined transparently and fairly.
1.4 This Regulation supersedes Regulation 12 commencing in 2018.
Part 2 - Interpretation
2.1 In this Regulation:
“Appeals Committee ” means the committee described in Section 7.1;
“Arrears Procedures ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1;
“Assessment ” means the total of the Fair Share Assessment and the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Assessment;
“Assessment Year ” means the calendar year in which Assessment of a Parish is payable;
“Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(b);
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“Diocesan Ministry Support Fund ” has the meaning ascribed by Section 9.2 and is established for the purposes set forth in Section 4.1;
“Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Assessment ” means the assessment payable to the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund under Section 3.3;
“Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Assessment Rate ” shall be a variable percentage rate set annually by Diocesan Council in accordance with and subject to the maximum rate provide by Section 3.4;
“Dramatic Revenue Drop Appeal ” has the meaning ascribed by Section 7.4;
“Fair Share Assessment ” means the assessment payable under Section 3.1;
“Fair Share Assessment Rate ” has the meaning ascribed by Section 3.2;
“Former Assessment Regulation ” means Regulation 12 as it exists when this Regulation is passed;
“Mission ” means any present or future congregation established by the Bishop as a Mission until such time as that Mission shall become a Parish pursuant to Canon 13;
“Parish ” includes all present parishes of the Diocese together will all future parishes created, merged or amalgamated under Canon 13;
“Parish Operating Receipts ” means the aggregate of
(a) Open Offerings;
(b) Envelope or pledged support to defray current expenses;
(c) Donations from individuals to defray current expenses;
(d) Donations from parish organizations to defray current expenses including the payment of principal and interest;
(e) Sunday School Offerings;
(f) Income on invested capital including interest on bank accounts, funds deposited in the Diocesan Consolidated Trust Fund, term deposits, etc. used to defray current expenses;
(g) Gross rental income from the church and parish hall, plus the net rental income for use of all other Parish facilities and premises, including without limitation rectory, land, etc.; and
(h) Income from any other source used to defray current expenses (including grants from any source unless otherwise excepted), annual income from
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bequests, capital funds including funds deposited in the Diocesan Consolidated Trust Fund, etc.
BUT does not include:
(1) All receipts for onward transmission, e.g. P.W.R.D.F., Anglican Appeal, Canadian Bible Society, Diocesan voluntary contribution programmes (such as the care+share programme), Anglican Initiatives Fund, etc.;
(2) Grants received under the Parish Development Grant programme;
(3) All receipts, including grants from any source, specifically designated for capital purposes, such as building funds so long as they are not used to defray current expenses;
(4) Bequests received by Parishes and used for (i) capital purposes or (ii) investment to produce income for operating purposes;
(5) Funds borrowed for either short-term or long-term purposes; and
(6) Funds resulting from the sale of capital assets of a Parish (e.g. a rectory, an organ) which are invested in the Diocesan Consolidated Trust Fund for future building purposes.
“Supporting Parishes ” has the meaning ascribed by Section 3.3; and
“Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts ” means the average of the Parish Operating Receipts for the fourth, third and second years prior to the year the Assessment is due, e.g. 2014, 2015 and 2016 Parish Operating Receipts are averaged for use in calculating the 2018 Assessment.
2.2 Notwithstanding Section 3.6, a Mission is not a Parish for the purposes of calculating the median Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts of all Parishes as defined in the definition of Supporting Parishes.
2.3 Amounts paid to any Diocesan voluntary contribution programme (such as the care+share programme) are not assessable.
2.4 Where a Parish:
(a) has not been in existence for a sufficient number of years for it to be able to provide sufficient information to calculate a Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts;
(b) has been created by merging with another Parish or Mission;
(c) has been created by converting a Mission to a Parish;
(d) has been split to create two or more Parishes or a Parish and a Mission; or
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(e) has had a change in circumstances similar to those set forth above;
then the Parish shall, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Property, propose a figure to be used for its Parish Operating Receipts and/or Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts, which figure shall be presented by the Parish or the Director of Finance and Property to the Standing Committee on Management, Finance and Property of the Diocese for ratification or amendment.
2.5 Where for any reason the Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts of a Parish is not ascertainable, or a Parish described in Section 2.4 fails to propose a figure to be used for its Parish Operating Receipts and/or Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts, then the Director of Finance and Property, in consultation with the Parish, shall propose a figure to be used for its Parish Operating Receipts and/or Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts which figure shall be presented by the Parish or the Director of Finance and Property to the Standing Committee on Management, Finance and Property of the Diocese for ratification or amendment.
2.6 If the Parish is not satisfied with the decision of the Standing Committee on Management, Finance and Property made under Sections 2.4 or 2.5, it shall have ten (10) days from the date of that decision to appeal to Diocesan Council who shall either hear the appeal or delegate the hearing of the appeal to the Appeals Committee.
2.7 Sections 2.4 to 2.6 shall also apply to Missions that pursuant to Section 3.6 are required to pay Assessment as if the Mission were a Parish.
2.8 Headings have been added for convenience only and shall neither expand, diminish nor limit the meaning of any provision of this Regulation.
2.9 Schedule 1 to this Regulation are hereby incorporated by reference.
Part 3 - Calculation of and Payment of the Assessment of a Parish
3.1 Each Parish shall pay, in each Assessment Year, an assessment (the “ Fair Share Assessment ”) based on the Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts and calculated on the Fair Share Assessment Rate detailed in Section 3.2 below.
3.2 The Fair Share Assessment Rate for 2018 and ensuing years shall be
(a) $1,200 on the first $35,000 of the Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts;
(b) 15.5% on the portion of the Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts that exceeds $35,000 and does not exceed $150,000; and
(c) 17.75% on the portion of the Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts that exceeds $150,000.
3.3 Parishes whose Parish Operating Receipts are equal to or greater than the median Parish Operating Receipts of all Parishes (the “ Supporting Parishes ”) shall pay Diocesan Ministry Support Assessment based on the Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts and R.7 Synod Convening Circular 2017
calculated on the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Assessment Rate detailed in Section 3.4 below.
3.4 The Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Assessment Rate shall be a variable rate established annually by Diocesan Council which shall not exceed 1.75% of the Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts.
3.5 The Assessment of a Parish shall be payable in twelve (12) equal monthly instalments no later than the 22 nd day of each month.
3.6 For the purposes of this Regulation, a Mission shall pay Fair Share Assessment as if it were a Parish commencing on the second anniversary of its creation unless the Diocesan Council, upon recommendation of the Bishop, shall require it to pay the Fair Share Assessment earlier than that date or shall extend the date for such commencement. The Diocesan Council, upon recommendation of the Bishop, may extend the commencement date for a Mission commencing payment of the Assessment for up to twenty-three months without approval of Synod. Any further extension shall be subject to the approval of Diocesan Synod.
3.7 The Diocese may set off amounts due by it to Parishes or Missions against amounts due by the Parish or Mission to the Diocese.
3.8 A Parish may voluntarily pay Fair Share Assessment in an amount greater than assessed.
Part 4 - Diocesan Ministry Support Fund
4.1 The Diocesan Ministry Support Fund is established to support existing and new Parishes and Missions based on the criteria set by Diocesan Council from time to time. Diocesan Synod may direct Diocesan Council on appropriate criteria.
4.2 Notwithstanding Section 4.1:
(a) Diocesan Council may include in the criteria the support of Parishes whose Assessment has changed dramatically as a consequence of significant decline in Parish Operating Receipts as defined in Section 2.1 of this Regulation.
(b) Automatic support of Parishes whose Assessment has changed dramatically in 2018 over 2017 shall be provided in 2018 out of the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund in the manner set forth in the Schedule 1 to this Regulation.
(c) Support of Parishes suffering dramatic drops in revenue may be provided with financial support out of the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund in the manner set forth in Section 7.6(b) of this Regulation.
4.3 Payments required to be made under Schedule 1 to this Regulation shall form a first charge on the resources of the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund.
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4.4 The Supporting Parishes contribute to the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund in the manner described in Part 3 of this Regulation and may voluntarily pay Diocesan Ministry Support Fund in an amount greater than assessed.
4.5 Missions and those Parishes who are not Supporting Parishes may make a voluntary contribution to the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund.
4.6 Diocesan Council may from time to time advance monies from the Diocesan Synod Budget to the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund and may recover such advances from the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund.
4.7 No Parish shall be required to accept funds from the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund.
Part 5 - Reporting Requirements
5.1 For the purpose of determining the Parish Operating Receipts, the Fair Share Assessments and the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Assessments, all Parishes and Missions shall provide the following information to the Director of Finance and Property (on a calendar year basis unless otherwise specified by the Director of Finance and Property) on or before the date set by Diocesan Council or, if no such date is set, then on or before the last day of February in each year:
(a) Annual Statement of Receipts and Disbursements;
(b) Annual Parish Financial Statements and Budgets;
(c) Annual Statistical Report in the form provided by the Diocese; and
(d) Such other information as the Director of Finance and Property or the Bishop shall request.
Part 6 - Procedure
6.1 The Director of Finance and Property shall compile the data required in order to determine Fair Share Assessments and Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Assessments of all Parishes and Missions and shall prepare preliminary calculations of Parish Operating Receipts, Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts and Assessments. The preliminary calculations for a Parish shall be forwarded to the Parish Treasurer and Wardens for review. Copies shall be provided to the Standing Committee on Management, Finance and Property on request. In making such preliminary calculations, the provisions of Sections 2.4 to 2.7 shall be applied where they are applicable.
6.2 The Director of Finance and Property shall send with the preliminary calculations a notice:
(a) advising that the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Assessments calculations are subject to change based on appeals and re-assessments of the Parishes; and
(b) requesting written advice of discrepancies, errors or inaccuracies be reported to the Director of Finance and Property on or before a date (the “ Closing Date ”) set by the
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Director of Finance and Property, provided that the Closing Date shall not be earlier than six (6) weeks from the mailing date of the notice.
6.3 If a Parish reports any discrepancies, errors or inaccuracies in the preliminary calculations sent under Section 6.2 by the Closing Date, it shall provide such information and assistance as the Director of Finance and Property requests in order that the preliminary calculations can be revised by the Director of Finance and Property. If the Parish Treasurer or Wardens approve the revised preliminary calculations of Parish Operating Receipts, Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts, they shall be deemed correct and shall not be appealable. If the Parish Treasurer or Wardens do not approve the revised calculations or have not responded by the time set for hearing appeals, the Parish shall be entitled to appeal to the Appeals Committee.
6.4 A Parish shall be obliged to report any discrepancies, errors or inaccuracies in its Parish Operating Receipts and Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts which have the effect of reducing or misstating those items. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Part 6 to the contrary, failure to report the same shall not relieve the Parish of paying any additional Assessment that may have been charged had the same been properly reported and the same, at the option of the Standing Committee on Management, Finance and Property, shall be re-assessed and collected. Any re-assessment under this Section is appealable to the Appeals Committee.
6.5 If a Parish has not reported any discrepancies, errors or inaccuracies in the preliminary calculations sent under Section 6.2 by the Closing Date, the preliminary calculations of Parish Operating Receipts, Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts and Assessments shall be deemed correct and shall not be appealable.
6.6 After all preliminary calculations of Parish Operating Receipts, Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts and Assessments have been deemed correct, revised and agreed to or appeals heard and decided, the Parish Operating Receipts and Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts as so determined shall be used to calculate the final Assessments.
6.7 The final Assessments shall be sent to the Treasurer and Wardens of the Parish and paid in accordance with this Regulation.
6.8 If final Assessments have not been issued by January 15 of the Assessment Year, the Parish shall pay as interim monthly instalments 1/12 th of the preliminary Assessment or the past year’s Assessment. Once the final Assessment is determined, the monthly instalments up to that time shall be paid in full, less the sum of interim instalments actually paid. If a refund is due to the Parish, the Parish Treasurer may request that it be paid to the Parish by the Diocese or may deduct the refund from subsequent monthly instalments. Any deductions made under this Section shall be accompanied by a note of explanation.
Part 7 - Appeals
7.1 The Appeals Committee shall consist of:
(a) the Diocesan Treasurer (Chair), (b) two clerics and two lay persons appointed by the Diocesan Council; and (c) the Director of Finance and Property.
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All members of the Appeals Committee shall have both voice and a vote except the Director of Finance and Property who shall have voice but no vote.
7.2 A Parish may, on or before the Closing Date, appeal, in writing:
(a) the calculation of its Parish Operating Receipts and Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts to the extent permitted by Part 6 of this Regulation. The Appeals Committee shall review the matter and affirm or substitute corrected calculations as it sees fit in the circumstances.
(b) the calculation of its preliminary Assessment on the grounds of accuracy or appropriateness or upon such other grounds as Diocesan Council may set from time to time. Diocesan Synod may direct Diocesan Council on appropriate criteria.
7.3 A Parish may appeal, in writing, on or before the date that is 6 weeks after issuance of the Parish’s final Assessment to it, the calculation of its final Assessment on the grounds of accuracy or appropriateness or upon such other grounds as Diocesan Council may set from time to time. Diocesan Synod may direct Diocesan Council on appropriate criteria for establishing such grounds. However, for the purposes of such appeal, the preliminary calculations of Parish Operating Receipts, Three-Year Average Parish Operating Receipts and Assessments are deemed to be accurate for the purpose of the appeal. The sole purpose of the appeal shall be to deal with inaccuracies or inappropriateness of the final Assessments in the light of the preliminary Assessments.
7.4 Parishes may appeal to the Appeals Committee for retroactive relief in respect of the prior year’s Assessment on the grounds of a hardship created by a dramatic drop in revenue (in this Part 7 referred to as a “ Dramatic Revenue Drop Appeal ”) if each of the following circumstances is true:
(a) The Assessment in the prior year expressed as a percentage of the Parish’s prior year’s Parish Operating Receipts exceeded:
(1) 16.65% if the Parish was not a Supporting Parish in that year; or (2) 19.35% if the Parish was a Supporting Parish in that year;
(b) The Parish is financially unable to pay the full amount of the said Assessment; and
(c) The Parish has submitted a written request to appeal under this Section 7.4 no later than April 15 of the year following the year for which retroactive relief is requested or such later date as Diocesan Council may permit.
7.5 Each Dramatic Revenue Drop Appeal shall be made in writing documenting the matters set out in Section 7.4 and shall include:
(a) The information required by Section 5.1 for the prior three years if it has not already been provided plus any corrections, if applicable;
(b) A budget for the current year;
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(c) A description of what resources the Parish has available to it including all funds and other assets held by it or available to it and detailing to what degree, if any, funds or assets are restricted and what those restrictions are together with such further information as the Appeals Committee or the Diocesan Council may prescribe or the Director of Finance and Property shall request from time to time.
7.6 The Appeals Committee shall review each Dramatic Revenue Drop Appeal and if the Parish does meet the criteria set out in Section 7.4, it may recommend to Diocesan Council that the Parish be granted relief of all or part of the Assessment paid in the prior year that is in excess of the amount prescribed by Section 7.4(a). The Appeals Committee’s recommendation shall provide reasons upon which the recommendation is made. Diocesan Council may accept or reject the recommendation in whole or in part. Diocesan Council may, but is not required to, receive further representations from the Parish. If Diocesan Council accepts, in whole or in part. the recommendation of the Appeals Committee that a Parish ought to be granted relief, it may provide relief by:
(a) Reducing the Assessment for the prior year; or
(b) Making a grant to the Parish from the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund; or
(c) Providing such other relief or assistance as Diocesan Council may consider to be appropriate in the circumstances;
in order to reduce the net Assessment actually paid or payable by the Parish to an amount equal to or in excess of:
(d) 16.65% of the Parish’s prior year’s Parish Operating Receipts if the Parish was not a Supporting Parish in that year; or
(e) 19.35% of the Parish’s prior year’s Parish Operating Receipts if the Parish was a Supporting Parish in that year.
In granting the foregoing relief, Diocesan Council is not limited by the recommendations of the Appeals Committee as to the scope of relief that may be granted. The decisions of Diocesan Council made under this Section 7.6 shall be final and binding on the Parish.
7.7 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Regulation 24 to the contrary, a grant as a result of a Dramatic Revenue Drop Appeal shall not be included in the Parish Operating Receipts for calculating Fair Share Assessment for future years.
7.8 If the Appeals Committee is of the opinion that the matter appealed properly falls under Section 2.4 of this Regulation, it shall refer the matter to the Chancellor for a decision as to whether the matter ought to proceed under this Part 7 or under Section 2.4 of this Regulation. The decision of the Chancellor shall be final. If the Chancellor is unable to deal with the matter, another legal officer of the Diocese chosen by the Bishop shall replace the Chancellor for this purpose.
7.9 If the Appeals Committee is of the opinion that they are unable to rectify an inequitable or unjust result within the grounds of appeal permitted, they may refer the matter to Diocesan Council for review and Diocesan Council may, but need not, provide further relief to the
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Parish including but not limited to providing funds from the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund in accordance with the criteria established for that fund.
7.10 The Appeals Committee may prescribe forms to be used in making appeals. Nevertheless if an appeal is received prior to the last day for appeal under Sections 7.2, 7.3 or 7.4, as applicable, in a non-prescribed form, the appeal shall not be rejected due to form and the applicant shall be forthwith advised to re-submit the appeal in the proper form and within 14 days of being so advised, or such longer time as the Appeals Committee may prescribe, shall be permitted to re-submit the appeal in the proper form.
Part 8 – Collection and Recovery of Unpaid Assessments
8.1 Diocesan Council shall be responsible for ensuring that Assessments are paid and shall establish procedures for recovery of unpaid Assessments by establishing policies or regulations or both (herein called “ Arrears Procedures ”). Those Arrears Procedures shall specify the actions to be taken if a Parish is in arrears in paying its Assessment.
8.2 The Arrears Procedures shall not be limited to arrears of Assessment but may also address amounts due by Parishes to the Diocese for other financial matters, including but not limited to payroll remittances and insurance.
8.3 Unless the Arrears Procedures specify otherwise, if a Parish is three months or more in arrears in paying its Assessments the Appeals Committee shall be responsible to negotiate with that Parish in respect of the timely payment of the unpaid Assessment. Nothing in the prior sentence shall preclude the Director of Finance and Property or Treasurer from taking steps to obtain payment of Assessments in arrears prior to the Appeals Committee becoming involved.
8.4 Any arrangement negotiated with a Parish for recovery of unpaid Assessment is subject to approval of Diocesan Council and the Bishop if such negotiated arrangement includes either:
(a) payment of the unpaid Assessment over a payment period in excess of six months; or
(b) waiver of payment of any part of the Assessment.
8.5 Where a Parish is in arrears of payment of Assessment or any other amount due to the Diocese, and the Parish is also entitled to payment of funds due to it by the Diocese, the Diocese may set off any amount due to the Parish against any amount due by the Parish.
8.6 Unpaid Assessments shall be allocated pro rata between Fair Share Assessment and the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Assessment due from the Parish in question.
Part 9 - Effective Date and Transition
9.1 The purpose of this Part is to transition from the assessment system under the Former Assessment Regulation to the assessment system established under this Regulation.
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9.2 The Diocesan Growth Fund established under the Former Assessment Regulation shall, effective January 1, 2018 be called the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund and shall, from and including January 1, 2018, be regulated by this Regulation.
9.3 Diocesan Assessment (as defined in the Former Assessment Regulation) and Growth Fund Assessment (as defined in Former Assessment Regulation) will continue to be calculated under the Former Assessment Regulation to and including the 2017 Assessment Year. Commencing in the 2018 Assessment Year:
(a) Fair Share Assessment will come into effect, in replacement of Diocesan Assessment (as defined in the Former Assessment Regulation); and
(b) Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Assessment will come into effect, in replacement of Growth Fund Assessment (as defined in the Former Assessment Regulation).
9.4 For the 2018 Assessment Year only, any reference in this Regulation to “ past year’s Assessment ” (or similar phrasing) shall be deemed to be a reference to the past year’s Assessment under the Former Assessment Regulation.
9.5 For the 2018 Assessment Year only, any reference to “Assessment” in Sections 7.4 to 7.6 of this Regulation, shall be deemed to be a reference to “2018 Adjusted Assessment” as that term is defined in Schedule 1 of this Regulation.
9.6 For clarity, in calculating Assessment, the definition of “ Parish Operating Receipts ” used for current and prior years will be the definition set out in this Regulation and not the definition set out in in the Former Assessment Regulation.
9.7 The Former Assessment Regulation shall cease to be in force once all Assessment payable thereunder have been paid.
Part 10 - Consequential Amendments
10.1 The Former Assessment Regulation is hereby amended by adding the following as Section 1.2:
1.2 This Regulation is superseded by Regulation 24 effective January 1, 2018 but nevertheless remains in effect to the degree set out in in Part 9 (Effective Date and Transition) of Regulation 24. (new 117 th session)
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SCHEDULE 1 of REGULATION 24 Automatic Assessment Assistance to Parishes in 2018 Only
WHEREAS it is envisioned that some Parish’s 2018 Assessment will be less than what their 2018 Assessment (as defined in the Prior Assessment Regulation) would have been under the Prior Assessment Regulation but other Parishes will experience an increase.
AND WHEREAS it is desirable to limit the amount of that increase for any one Parish to $500.
THEREFORE, in order to accomplish the foregoing, Parishes shall be entitled to automatic assistance from the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund as hereinafter set forth:
11. The definitions set out in Part 2 of this Regulation 24 apply to this Schedule 1.
12. In this Schedule:
“Adjusted 2018 Assessment ” means the lesser of a Parish’s:
(a) 2018 Assessment; or (b) 2018 Old Assessment Figure plus $500;
“2018 Assessment ” means the Assessment of a Parish for 2018 as calculated under Regulation 24;
“2018 Old Assessment Figure ” means the Assessment that would have been paid by a Parish in 2018 if the Prior Assessment Regulation had been in effect; and
“Transition Support Amount ” means, in the case of each Parish whose 2018 Assessment exceeds the 2018 Old Assessment Figure by more than $500, the difference between the 2018 Assessment and the Adjusted 2018 Assessment.
13. In 2018, each Parish’s Assessment shall be paid as follows:
13.01 The Parish’s Adjusted 2018 Assessment shall be paid by the Parish; and
13.02 The Transition Support Amount, if any, shall be paid on behalf of the Parish by the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund.
14. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Regulation 24 to the contrary, the Transition Support Amount shall not be included in the Parish Operating Receipts for calculating Fair Share Assessment for future years.
15. This Schedule 1 applies only to the 2018 Assessment Year.
END OF SCHEDULE 1 [Regulation 24: New 117 th Session]
R.15 Synod Convening Circular 2017
ANNEXURE 2 - Draft Canon 30
CANON 30 – MISSION & MINISTRY FUND
PART 1 - THE FUND AND ITS PURPOSES
3001. The New Development Fund established by the prior Canon 29 passed at the 94 th Session, is hereby continued under the name of the Mission & Ministry Fund (in this canon hereinafter referred to as the “Fund”) and all the assets therein contained shall be held and governed in accordance with this Canon. [New 98th Session; amended & re-enacted 117 th Session]
3002. The purposes of the Fund are as follows:
(a) To finance by grants such ongoing and new ministries of the Diocese as the Administrators shall see fit, including those ministries carried out by any of:
(i) the Diocese on its own or in conjunction with one or more Parishes and/or one or more Missions; and/or
(ii) a Parish or Mission on its own or in conjunction with one or more other Parishes or Missions or both;
(iii) other entities or programs operated in the Diocese which may be approved by the Administrators and by the Bishop from time to time.
(b) To fund the operations of the Diocese as set out in the vision budgets passed by Synod from time to time.
(c) To finance by loans or grants or a mix of loans and grants the creation of new parishes or ministry centres within the Diocese.
(d) To finance by loans or grants or a mix of loans and grants the redevelopment of any existing parish or ministry centre within the Diocese.
[Old 2924/ re-enacted 98th Session as 3005; renumbered, amended & re-enacted 117 th Session]
PART 2 - GOVERNANCE
3021. The Diocesan Council shall be the Administrators of the Fund. [Old 3002/ renumbered, amended & re-enacted 117 th Session]
3022. The Fund will be governed by the following:
(a) Allocations of funds for disbursal from the Fund shall be made by the Administrators subject to the final approval of the Bishop.
(b) Diocesan Council shall have the power to delegate, by Regulation, all or any of the functions of the Administrators of the Fund to any standing committee or sub- committee of Diocesan Council provided that Diocesan Council shall maintain the
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ultimate control to cancel such delegation and all parties to whom such functions are delegated shall be responsible to and shall report to the Diocesan Council.
(c) If Diocesan Council delegates any functions of the Administrators of the Fund, it may establish limits on authority as it sees fit and shall require all matters exceeding such limits to be brought back to it for further approval and ratification by Diocesan Council.
(d) At any time all or any part of the capital of the Fund may be restricted by a 75% majority vote of Diocesan Council with the concurrence of the Bishop. Any such restriction may be removed by a 75% majority vote of Diocesan Council with the concurrence of the Bishop.
(e) The income on the capital of the Fund and accumulating income of the Fund, plus any capital that is unrestricted, may be used for the purposes of the Fund unless otherwise provided by this Canon. Any income received in one year that is not expended in the year of receipt shall be deemed to be accumulating income unless it is, by resolution of Diocesan Council, and with the consent of the Bishop, added to the capital of the Fund.
(f) The Administrators shall have the power to determine:
(i) the terms of repayment of any monies advanced by way of loan having regard both to the importance of the proposed use within the life of the Diocese and to the importance of preserving the capital of the Fund for future use; and
(ii) the terms and conditions upon which grants are advanced.
(g) Administrators shall take into consideration the effect that the making of grants out of the capital of the Fund will have on the future income streams of the Fund.
(h) The Fund shall be invested in accordance with paragraph 3024.
[Part Old 2925/ Re-enacted 98th Session as 3006; renumbered, amended & re-enacted 117 th Session]
3023. Any net monies realised by the Diocese from the disposition of assets of a closed parish or a merged parish shall be paid into the Fund. [New 98th Session as 3003; renumbered, amended & re-enacted 117th Session]
The Administrators shall have the power to receive money or property from any source and add it to the capital assets of the Fund. All such money or property shall be held for the sole purposes of the Fund as set out in this Canon, as amended from time to time. [Old 2926/ Re- enacted 98th Session as 3007; renumbered, amended & re-enacted 117th Session] 3024. The Standing Committee on Management, Finance and Property shall manage the investment of the Fund in:
(a) All investments authorized by the Trustee Act of British Columbia; and,
(b) Mutual funds. R.17 Synod Convening Circular 2017
The Standing Committee on Management, Finance and Property may delegate day to day management functions of the Fund to the Diocesan Directors of Finance and Property and/or independent investment counsel provided that the Standing Committee on Management, Finance and Property shall maintain the ultimate control to cancel such delegation and that all parties to whom such management is delegated shall be responsible to and shall report to the Standing Committee on Management, Finance and Property. [Old 2923/ Re-enacted 98th Session as 3004; Amended 115 th Session; renumbered & re-enacted 117 th Session]
PART 3 - REGULATIONS
3031. Diocesan Council may pass regulations with respect to:
(a) The procedure, form and method of application to obtain funds from the Fund;
(b) Guidelines for use by the Administrators in setting priorities for the use of monies in the Fund;
(c) Procedures governing the Administrators and their proceedings not inconsistent with this Canon; and
(d) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the matters set out in paragraph 3022.
[New - 98th Session; Renumbered & Re-enacted 117 th Session]
(Part - 94 th Session, Re-numbered and re-enacted 98 th Session; Part 98 th Session; Amended 115 th Session; Renamed, amended, renumbered & re-enacted 117 th Session)
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ANNEXURE 3 - Draft Regulation 25
REGULATION 25 - DIOCESAN MINISTRY SUPPORT FUND - ALLOCATIONS
Index
Part 1 - General
Part 2 - Interpretation
Part 3 - Administrators (Administrators of Anglican Initiatives Fund)
Part 4 - Criteria for Allocation of the Fund
Part 5 - Procedure
Part 6 - Transition, Effective Date And Consequential Amendments
Schedule A - Form of Application
Part 1 - General
1.1 Authority and Purpose: Pursuant to Part 4 of Regulation 24 [Fair Share Assessment and Diocesan Ministry Support Fund ] this Regulation is made by Diocesan Council to deal with the allocations of monies from the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund. It is effective from January 1, 2018.
1.2 Amendment: This Regulation may be amended by Diocesan Council or Synod. Schedule A of this Regulation may be amended by the Administrators in the manner set forth in Section 5.4 of this Regulation.
Part 2 - Interpretation
2.1 Regulation 24 takes precedence: In the event that any provision of this Regulation 25 shall conflict with Regulation 24, Regulation 24 shall take precedence.
2.2 Definitions: In this Regulation 25,
(a) The definitions set out in Regulation 24 apply to this Regulation 25 unless the context otherwise requires; and
(b) “Administrators ” has the meaning set out in Section 3.1.
2.3 Headings: Heading have been added for convenience only and shall neither expand, diminish nor limit the meaning of any provision of this Regulation.
2.4 Schedule: Schedule A to this Regulation are hereby incorporated by reference.
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Part 3 - Administrators
3.1 Responsibility of Administrators: The Administrators of the Anglican Initiatives Fund (herein called the “Administrators ”) shall be responsible for allocating funds from the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund in accordance with Regulation 24 and this Regulation.
3.2 Staff Support: The Director of Finance and Property shall provide staff support to the Administrators.
Part 4 - Criteria For Allocation Of The Fund
4.1 Purpose of the Fund: The purpose of the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund is to support ministry, growth and stability in existing and new Parishes and Missions and Diocesan Ministries approved by Diocesan Council within the meaning of Section 4.1 of Regulation 24 and to provide transition funding in the manner prescribed by Section 4.2 of Regulation 24. The Administrators shall only allocate funds where the application meets the purposes of the Fund and the criteria as set out below and pursuant to such additional criteria and guidelines as Diocesan Council shall set from time to time.
4.2 Restrictions: The Administrators shall only allocate monies not already allocated under the mandatory provisions of Schedule 1 [Automatic Assessment Assistance to Parishes in 2018 Only ] of Regulation 24.
4.3 Purposes and Criteria for Allocations: The Administrators shall consider the following purposes and criteria in making allocations:
(a) Transitional Support: The Funds shall be used for the purpose of assisting parishes and missions in the transition from the prior assessment formula to the current assessment formula. This shall be the first priority for funding.
(b) Restrictions: Funding is not available to parishes or missions for the following:
(1) Outside programs, (2) Extra parochial uses, or (3) Capital projects or needs.
(c) Guidelines: Such guidelines as Diocesan Council may from time to time provide to the Administrators.
(d) Applications will be reviewed not on a first come first serve basis, but on the basis of the criteria. No applications shall be considered between the deadlines set out in Section 5.1.
Part 5 - Procedure
5.1 Application Review deadlines and Allocations: The Administrators shall consider applications on at least a quarterly basis.
5.2 Method and Amount of Allocations: The Administrators may, but need not allocate all funds available in the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund. Funds not distributed in one year shall be carried forward to the next year. The distribution of funds shall be subject to the receipt of all Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Assessments. In the event of a shortfall or
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non-payment of Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Assessments, Diocesan Council shall reduce or cancel grants in order to avoid a deficit and the Administrators shall recommend to Diocesan Council the manner in which grants should be cancelled or reduced. However, if Diocesan Council feels it is warranted, it may by resolution make advances from the Diocesan General Fund or other Diocesan Funds to the Diocesan Ministry Support Fund provided such advances shall be repaid in future years.
5.3 It is recognized that available funds may possibly be fully committed in the first quarterly period leaving no funds for allocation in the second, third or fourth quarters of a fiscal year.
5.4 Form of Application: All applications must be in the form prescribed by the Administrators. The initial form is set out in Schedule A. This form may be changed at any time by the Administrators. All applications shall be signed by all Wardens of the Parish, the Parish Treasurer and the Minister in Charge of the Parish unless the Administrators rules otherwise. All applications shall be accompanied by: current financial statements and financial statements for the most recently completed fiscal year plus current year financial statements not more than 4 months old unless the Administrators rules that there are exceptional circumstances which warrant providing an exemption to this requirement. Financial statements shall include Income and Revenue Statements and a Balance Sheet for the Parish’s operating, and capital funds and any other funds controlled by or used for the benefit of the Parish.
5.5 Rectification of Deficient Applications: Notwithstanding Section 5.4, if an application is received by the deadline in a non-prescribed form, the application shall not be rejected due to form and the applicant shall be forthwith advised to re-submit the application in the proper form. If the application is not resubmitted within sufficient time for the Administrators to deal with the application at its current set of deliberations, the application may be deferred to the next quarter for consideration.
5.6 Publication of Results: The Administrators shall publish its list of allocations by delivering a list to all Applicants, Diocesan Council, Standing Committee on Management, Finance and Property, Standing Committee on Mission and Ministry Development , all Archdeacons and any other persons that the Administrators shall deem as appropriate. Copies shall be available to all parishes on request.
Part 6 - Transition, Effective Date And Consequential Amendments
6.1 Consequential Amendments: Regulation 13 is hereby amended by adding the following as Section 1.3
1.3 This Regulation is superseded by Regulation 25 effective January 1, 2018 but nevertheless remains in effect for the 2017 and prior Assessment Years until such time as Regulation 12 [Parish Assessments and Diocesan Growth Fund ] is no longer in effect. (new 117 th session)
6.2 Transition: This Regulation replaces Regulation 13 [Diocesan Growth Fund – Allocations ] for the 2018 and subsequent Assessment Years.
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REGULATION 25 - Schedule A Diocesan Ministry Support Fund Form of Application
DIOCESE OF NEW WESTMINSTER DIOCESAN MINISTRY SUPPORT FUND FOR PARISHES Application for Financial Assistance
In order to assist us in assessing your request for financial assistance, would you please answer the following questions. You may use this form or answer the questions on another piece of paper. Where available, please add any supporting documentation (e.g., parish statistics, demographic data, regional or municipal planning material).
Application for assistance must be received IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPROVED TIMETABLE INCLUDED IN THE OUTLINE OF THE CRITERIA. Please RETAIN one copy of this application and FORWARD a signed copy to the Director of Finance and Property.
Parish: ______
The Mission Plan
[1] Please give a brief description of the community served by the parish or congregation (demographics, social issues and needs).
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[2] What is the mission you believe God is calling you to fulfil in this community?
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Synod Convening Circular 2017 R.22
[3] What are the major strengths available to the parish to assist in fulfilling this mission?
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[4] What are the major challenges or obstacles confronting the parish or congregation in fulfilling this mission?
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[5] What specific plans do you have to assist the parish or congregation in fulfilling its mission?
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[6] How will you know whether or not these plans have been achieved? In other words, what would you need to see or hear to be convinced that the parish or congregation is, in fact, fulfilling its mission?
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The Financial Development Plan
[1] What financial resources will the parish or congregation require to fulfil its mission and how will these resources be found? [PLEASE PROVIDE THE MOST RECENT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (BALANCE SHEET, INCOME AND EXPENSE STATEMENT, DETAILS OF OTHER FUNDS AND/OR INVESTMENTS) AND A DETAILED PROJECTED BUDGET FOR 20____ .]
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[2] What are the trends in your average Sunday attendance and givings?
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[3] Why is the congregation or parish seeking financial assistance at this time?
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[4] What specific plans do you have to address the root causes of this shortfall?
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[5] What specific plans do you have to move the congregation or parish toward financial self-sufficiency?
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[6] How will you know whether or not these plans have been achieved? In other words, what concrete results do you expect to see?
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Signed:
______, 20__ Churchwarden Churchwarden Date
______Churchwarden Churchwarden
______Rector or Priest-in Charge Treasurer
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Resolution No. 3
MOVED/SECONDED Diocesan Council (no Second required for a motion proposed by Diocesan Council)
ANGLICAN INITIATIVES FUND INCREASE IN NUMBER OF ELECTED ADMINISTRATORS 1
RESOLVED AS A 2/3 MAJORITY RESOLUTION OF SYNOD:
1. THAT the number of Administrators for the Anglican Initiatives Fund be increased by amending paragraph 2.6 [Administrators] of Regulation 21 [Anglican Initiatives Fund] as follows:
(note that only clauses (a) and (c) are changing; the other clauses are provided for context only)
DELETE:
2.6 Administrators
(a) The Fund shall have five (5) Administrators.
(b) The Bishop, Treasurer and Chancellor shall be Administrators by virtue of their office.
(c) Two (2) Administrators (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Elected Administrators”) shall be elected by Synod and shall serve a term expiring at the closing of the first regular synod after their election. One of the Elected Administrators shall be a cleric and the other shall be a lay person. Elected Administrators, at the time of their taking office shall be communicants of at least one year’s standing and at least 21 years of age. Elected Administrators need not be members of Synod. No elected Administrator shall serve in office for more than three consecutive terms. Except as aforesaid, all Elected Administrators are eligible for re-election.
(d) Any vacancy in the office of Elected Administrator may be filled by appointment or election by Diocesan Council.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the first Elected Administrators shall be elected by Diocesan Council and shall serve a term expiring at the closing of the first regular synod after their election.
1 Paragraph 6.3 [Special Restrictions on Amendment] of Regulation 21 requires any change to specified paragraphs of Regulation 21 (including both Paragraphs 2.6 and 6.3) to be approved by a two-thirds majority of Synod at two successive Regular Synods. The 117 th Session (2017) of Synod is the first time this is being presented to Synod. If it passes this year it will be presented to Synod for a second time at the next regular Synod (currently scheduled for 2019).
Changes to Bylaw 5.6 of the AIF Bylaws only need be approved by Synod once.
Synod Convening Circular 2017 R.26
REPLACE WITH:
2.6 Administrators
(a) The Fund shall have seven (7) Administrators.
(b) The Bishop, Treasurer and Chancellor shall be Administrators by virtue of their office.
(c) Four (4) Administrators (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Elected Administrators”) shall be elected by Synod and shall serve a term expiring at the closing of the first regular synod after their election. Two of the Elected Administrators shall be clergy and the other two shall be lay persons. Elected Administrators, at the time of their taking office shall be communicants of at least one year’s standing and at least 21 years of age. Elected Administrators need not be members of Synod. No elected Administrator shall serve in office for more than three consecutive terms. Except as aforesaid, all Elected Administrators are eligible for re-election.
(d) Any vacancy in the office of Elected Administrator may be filled by appointment or election by Diocesan Council.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the first Elected Administrators shall be elected by Diocesan Council and shall serve a term expiring at the closing of the first regular synod after their election.
2. THAT if carried, paragraph 1 of this resolution be placed on the agenda of the next regular Synod to be approved for a second time by Synod as required by paragraph 6.3 [Special Restrictions on Amendment] of Regulation 21.
3. THAT this Synod approves the change to the Bylaws of the Anglican Initiatives Fund by deleting and replacing Bylaws 5.6 [Quorum] as follows:
DELETE:
5.6 Quorum :
A quorum of the Administrators shall be either:
(a) the Bishop and any other two (2) Administrators provided at least one Administrator shall be an Elected Administrator; or
(b) any four (4) Administrators.
REPLACE WITH:
5.6 Quorum :
A quorum of the Administrators shall be either:
(a) the Bishop and any other three (3) Administrators provided at least two (2) Administrators shall be Elected Administrators; or
R.27 Synod Convening Circular 2017
(b) any five (5) Administrators.
PROVIDED HOWEVER THAT the approval of the amendment of Bylaw 5.6 of the Anglican Initiatives Fund Bylaws so approved shall not come into effect until the first meeting of the Administrators after all of the following having been effected:
(a) paragraph 1 of this resolution has been approved by a two thirds majority of Synod expressed at two consecutive regular sessions of Synod (the first having been this session of Synod);
(b) the Bishop having assented to the amendments to each of paragraph 2.6 of Regulation 21 and Bylaws 5.6 of the Anglican Initiatives Fund Bylaws, as contemplated by these resolutions; and
(c) the first set of 4 Elected Administrators have been elected or appointed in accordance with paragraph 2.6 of Regulation 21.
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Resolution No. 4
MOVED/SECONDED Constitution and Canons Committee (with Diocesan Council’s concurrence) (no Second required for a motion proposed by Constitution and Canons Committee)
ANGLICAN INITIATIVES FUND CHANGE TO AMENDMENT PROCEDURES
RESOLVED AS A 2/3 MAJORITY RESOLUTION OF SYNOD:
RESOLVED: 1. THAT the procedure for amending Regulation 21 [Anglican Initiatives Fund] be changed by amending paragraph 6.3 [Special Restriction on Amendment] of Regulation 21 [Anglican Initiatives Fund] as follows:
(note that only clause (a) is changing; the other clauses are provided for context only)
DELETE:
6.3 Special Restrictions on Amendment.
The substance of the provisions of paragraphs 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 (except clause 2.6(e)), 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 of this Regulation may not be amended without:
(a) the approval of a two thirds majority of Synod expressed at two consecutive regular sessions of Synod; and,
(b) the assent of the Bishop.
For the purposes of this Paragraph 6.3, the creation of a Canon in replacement of this Regulation shall be considered an amendment to this Regulation.
REPLACE WITH:
6.3 Special Restrictions on Amendment.
The substance of the provisions of paragraphs 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 (except clause 2.6(e)), 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 of this Regulation may not be amended without:
(a) the approval of a two thirds majority of Synod; and,
(b) the assent of the Bishop.
For the purposes of this Paragraph 6.3, the creation of a Canon in replacement of this Regulation shall be considered an amendment to this Regulation.
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2. THAT if carried, this resolution be placed on the agenda of the next regular Synod to be approved for a second time by Synod as required by paragraph 6.3 [Special Restrictions on Amendment] of Regulation 21.
Resolution No. 5
MOVED/SECONDED Constitution and Canons Committee (with Diocesan Council’s concurrence) (no Second required for a motion proposed by Constitution and Canons Committee)
CANON 24 AMENDMENTS
RESOLVED:
That Canon 24 be amended by adding the following as paragraph 2404.
2404. The Constitution and Canons Committee has the power to make the following forms of changes to the Canons and Regulations as and when the need to do so comes to its attention:
(a) Corrections of grammar, spelling, nomenclature and numbering;
(b) Consequential amendments where a new or revised Canon or Regulation causes an inconsistency with a pre-existing Canon or Regulation;
Provided that clause (b) shall not be used to make a consequential amendment to a Canon where the inconsistency arises from a new or revised Regulation passed by Diocesan Council. Changes made under this paragraph 2404 shall take effect from the date of such change. Any changes made by the Constitution and Canons Committee under this paragraph 2404 shall be reported to the next Regular Synod.
Resolution No. 5 A
MOVED/SECONDED Diocesan Council 1 (no Second required for a motion proposed by Diocesan Council)
RESOLVED that the term “Business Administrator” be changed to read “Director of Finance and Property” in each of the following provisions of the Constitution, Canons and Rules: a. Article 5, paragraph 51 (Diocesan Council Membership) b. Article 5, paragraph 58B (Steering Committee) c. Electoral Synod Rules (2013) paragraph 1.4
1 That Diocesan Council, recommends to Synod, that if the motion in respect of proposed amendments to Canon 24 to permit minor corrections to the Constitution, Canons, Rules and Regulations to be made by the Constitution and Canons Committee is not passed, then Resolution 5A be adopted by Synod in respect of the provisions of the Constitution, Canons and Rules requiring amendment due to new job descriptions.
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Additional Reports
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Memorials
Lay
Karen Baron
Judy Barteluk
Eleanor Florence Bishop
Lois Godfrey
Fanny Lier
David Rolfe, ODNW
Walter Herring, ODNW
Dennis Lou -Hing
Ray McNeney
Dorothy May Saunier (Hughes)
Clergy
The Reverend Tess Meadows
Retired deacon of the Diocese of New Westminster, the Reverend Tessie Eileen (Tess) Meadows (Lane) (b. November 11, 1940) died June 30, 2015, in her hometown of Minnedosa, Manitoba after a long illness with cancer.
Tess attended Lakelet and Grey Schools in Clanwilliam, graduating Grade 12 from Minnedosa Crossley Collegiate. After receiving her Diploma in Medical Technology at the Misericordia Hospital in Winnipeg, she worked at the Edmonton General Hospital.
On September 1, 1962, she married Robert (Bob) Meadows at St. Mark's Anglican Church in Minnedosa. Soon after, the newlyweds left Manitoba and Vancouver became her home, where she was employed in a private medical lab for 25 years. Following Bob's death in September 1991, Tess answered the call to ordained ministry and returned to school. She was ordained a Deacon by Bishop Michael Ingham at Christ Church Cathedral on June 22, 1997. Tess served at St. John the Evangelist in North Vancouver, retiring in 2007, after 30 years as a lay and ordained person in that parish. She also spent two years doing missionary work in Belize in the Parish of St. Joseph in Punta Gorda.
During her time as a layperson at St. John's, Tess was active in the parish and in the diocese as a: member of Parish Council, Synod Delegate, member of the Altar Guild, member of Diocesan
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Council, member of the Diocesan Programme Committee (1970's), member and chair of Stewards in Action and Partners in Mission.
In 2007, Tess returned to Minnedosa to be near her family. In 2008, Tess was licensed in the Parish of St. Mark, Minnedosa (Diocese of Brandon) but remained canonically resident in the Diocese of New Westminster.
The Reverend Gilbert Allan Kerr
The Reverend Gilbert Allan Kerr, Priest (b. March 29, 1929) died on Friday, July 10, 2015, at Blenheim Lodge, Vancouver.
Allan was ordained in 1956, at St. Matthew's Cathedral, Brandon, Manitoba and served there as Senior Curate.
He continued his early ministry in the diocese of Brandon as Rector, St. Simons, Lynn Lake, Manitoba (1958 - 1961) and then Rector, St. Mark's, Minnedosa, Manitoba (1961-1966).
He transferred to the diocese of British Columbia in 1966 when he was appointed Rector of St. John's in Duncan, BC and continued in ministry there until 1975, when he transferred to the diocese of New Westminster upon his appointment as Rector of St. Alban the Martyr in Burnaby.
In addition to St. Alban, Allan also served at St. Helen, West Point Grey and St. Andrew, Langley. During his time in Burnaby and West Point Grey he served as Regional Dean of Burnaby and Regional Dean of Arbutus/West Point Grey. Following his retirement he returned to St. Alban as an Honorary Assistant but in recent years he worshipped at St. Helen, West Point Grey.
Up until early 2014, Allan maintained a keen interest in the life of the diocese regularly submitting articles to the op/ed section of Topic, the monthly publication of the diocese of New Westminster.
The Reverend Ernie Eldridge
The Reverend Ernest (Ernie) Douglas Eldridge - Priest, born August 30, 1929, in Beaver Harbour, NB, died July 18, 2015, at the Trillium Nursing Home in Kingston, ON.
In 2006, Ernie was predeceased by his loving wife Barbara. Ernie wrote a book titled "Heaven, Help, Hope our Decade Battle with ALS", which was based on Barbara's long illness with ALS.
Ernie was a graduate of Wycliffe College in Toronto, ON., and with Barbara served in three provinces: Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick. He was canonically resident in the diocese of New Westminster. Ernie and Barbara served in Vancouver for 35 years at the parishes of: St Mary, Kerrisdale; St. Thomas, Vancouver; St. Chad; St. Matthias; St. John, Shaughnessy. He also served as Regional Dean of Granville.
In 1994, they retired to Beaver Harbour, NB and after Barbara passed away, Ernie moved to Kingston, ON. Ernie was not only involved in the church and community, but was always a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.
The Reverend Celia Howard
The Reverend Celia Howard died on Friday, July 8, 2016.
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Celia was raised a Roman Catholic in pre-Vatican II times. She was ordained in the Diocese of Huron in 1990 and served in a three-point charge there.
Celia was very active singing and performing in amateur theatre while she was kept busy raising her three children. Celia continued her love of theatre, music and dance throughout her life.
She moved to Vancouver in 1996 with her husband the Reverend Bob Korth who had been appointed Priest Associate at Christ Church Cathedral. During the decade that followed, Celia served at St. Monica's, Horseshoe Bay and St. Catherine's, Port Coquitlam.
In 2006, Celia and Bob moved to the Sunshine Coast and served at St. Andrew's Pender Harbour. For three years they shared the only clergy-couple-ministry in the history of the diocese.
During her time in ministry at St. Andrew's, Celia completed her Masters Degree from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in San Francisco and wrote an Application/Integration Paper titled The Dancing Fool's Journey about dancing as a spiritual practice.
In the last few years, Celia learned to play the harp, continued with ballet classes, took up both Pilates and yoga, studied and practiced Positive Psychology, and delighted in her three grandchildren.
The Reverend James Gordon Gardiner
The Reverend James Gordon Gardiner, priest, died on Sunday, August 21st at Central City Lodge where he had resided for the past five years.
Father Gardiner was born in Toronto on July 21, 1921. In 1943 he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Trinity College at the University of Toronto and completed his Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1946. He was ordered deacon in 1946 and ordained a priest in 1947 in the Diocese of Toronto.
He served a curacy at St George the Martyr, Toronto from 1946-49 before moving to the Diocese of Edmonton to be part of a team of priests at St Faith’s Mission in Edson, Alberta from 1949-1956. Upon leaving this appointment he travelled in Britain and was on staff for a period of time at St Deiniol’s Church, Hawarden, Wales. He returned to Canada and the Diocese of Rupert’s Land to be the Rector of St Bede’s Church, Winnipeg from 1957-1966. In 1963 he was made a Canon of St John’s Cathedral, Winnipeg.
In 1966 Father Gardiner was appointed rector of St James’ Church, Vancouver and would remain for 23 years. Among his many gifts was his ability to encourage people to leave sizable legacies for the benefit of work of the church -- for St James and for the Diocese. During his retirement Father Gardiner travelled extensively throughout the world.
The Reverend Eric Lowe
The Reverend Eric Lowe, priest, died on Monday, February 27, 2017 in South Surrey, BC. Eric was born in Athlone Ireland in 1926, the son of George and Mary Lowe.
Eric came to Canada as a student in April, 1947 under the sponsorship of the Colonial and Continental Church Society. He graduated in 1951 with a BA from the University of Saskatchewan and an LTh from Emmanuel College, Saskatoon that same year. He was ordained to the diaconate in May, 1951 and to the priesthood in 1952.
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Eric also studied full-time at UBC in 1967-68 while on furlough as a missionary in India. He was obviously committed to being a lifelong learner with his file filled full of the records of the regular courses and seminars he completed.
He served first as Rector of Duck Lake and Rosthern in the Diocese of Saskatoon from 1951-1953 and then as Missionary-in-Charge at Loon Lake in the Diocese of Saskatchewan from 1953-1956. From 1954 to 1956 he was Rural Dean of Turtleford and a member of the Diocesan Executive Committee.
In September, 1954 he married Margaret Bradshaw.
From 1956 to 1961 he served in parish ministry at St Andrew's, Lahore in the Diocese of Lahore, Pakistan and later as Missionary-in-Charge, Gojra supported by the Bible and Medical Missionary Society (BMMS). He was appointed as Executive Secretary for the BMMS in North India and served from 1963-1970 as priest-in-charge of St Paul's, Landour in the Diocese of Lucknow. He became Deputy Director for Canada of BMMS from 1970-1975. He and Margaret served for 19 years with BMMS, now Interserve, in Pakistan, India and Canada.
Eric was appointed rector of St. Thomas' Church, Vancouver, August 1975 and then rector of St. Alban's, Burnaby in September 1985. He formally retired in 1993. Eric continued to serve in various part-time appointments, mostly recently at St. Mark's, Ocean Park.
The Reverend David Donald George Tatchell
The Reverend David Tatchell, priest, died on March 15th ‘peacefully at home’ and with ‘grace and dignity’ -- such enduring characteristics of David.
David was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan on what would have been called Dominion Day in 1929. He remained there until leaving for the College of Emmanuel and St Chad (LTh 1956) and the University of Saskatchewan (BA 1957).
David was ordained in Saskatoon and appointed as Rector of St Timothy’s Church, Saskatoon in 1956 where he remained for ten years. This was followed in 1966 with his appointment as Rector of Christ Church, Calgary before being appointed a Director of a Unit at the World Council of Churches in Geneva in 1980. In 1984 he began work with Legal Services Society of BC in Prisoner Advocacy before accepting an appointment as Rector to St Theodore of Canterbury, Toronto in 1986.
David returned to the West Coast to take up his ministry in the Diocese of New Westminster on All Saints’ Day, 1989 as Rector of St Francis-in-the -Wood, West Vancouver. David’s ministry was well appreciated by St Francis-in-the-Wood and extensions past retirement were sought and granted by the Parish Leadership with the Bishop’s agreement.
David served for four years (1997-2001) as Chair of the Diocesan Unit on Partners in Mission (PiM). During his tenure a Diocesan Partnership Festival was held in 1998 which was met with much acclaim. Bishop Ingham noted in his acceptance of David’s resignation as Chair of PiM “Your four years of service enabled us to move ahead with a wider knowledge of the Anglican Communion, and a greater ability to communicate with that world church.” David’s priestly gifts continued to be in demand and he was appointed as Priest-in-Charge of St Edward, Bridgeport until August 31, 1999. His ministry continued as Priest-in-Charge to work with the merging parishes of St Nicolas and Christ the King, Burnaby until 2002.
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Nominations (Received as o f May 11 , 2017 Further updates will be uploaded to the Synod page of the Diocesan website)
Treasurer Robert Hardy Bob was born and raised in North Vancouver. He obtained a Batchelor of Commerce from UBC in 1981 and received the C.A. designation in 1985 (articled at Cooper & Lybrand, now known as PriceWaterhouseCoopers.) He has worked for himself in a family business since 1985. Bob has attended St. John the Evangelist Church in North Vancouver since 1964 and was the Treasurer at St. John’s for the 2 years in the recent past and has been on the finance committee for 5 years. Bob has been on the property committee of St. John’s for 4 years and on the church committee on and off for over 25 years. He recently served on the Canonical Committee at St. John’s for the third time. Bob has been a member of the North Vancouver High School Education Foundation since 1990. Currently the Foundation awards approx. 20 scholarships and 20 bursaries of $1250 to students in North Vancouver. Bob is currently the Treasurer of the Diocese, Chair of the Management, Finance and Property Committee, as well as serving on various MFP sub- committees.
Clerical Secretary of Synod
Lay Secretary of Synod Andrea Gailus Former Lay Secretary, Retired Registrar of Sorrento Centre, Parish Admin at Church of the Redeemer Cathedral in Calgary.
Archdeaconry Representatives to Diocesan Council (Clergy and Lay) Burrard Jane Hope • Five years of senior parish leadership at Christ Church Cathedral • Lifelong Anglican • Works in marketing and public relations •
Capilano The Reverend Robin Celiz • 2014-Current: Vicar of St. Martin’s North Vancouver. • 2015-Current: Diocesan Chair: Ecumenical & Multi Faith Unit, Diocese of New Westminster.
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• 2015-Current: Diocesan Parish Development Grants Team, Diocese of New Westminster. • Oct. 2014: Came to Diocese of New Westminster from the Diocese of Kootenay. • 2012-2014: Diocesan Court (equiv. to Board of Discipline), Diocese of Kootenay. • 2012-2014: Member of Diocesan Steering Committee for Together in Mission (Diocesan Stewardship/Capital Campaign), Diocese of Kootenay. • 2009-2011: Diocesan Chair for Continuing Education Committee, Diocese of Kootenay.
Fraser
Lougheed The Reverend David Edgerton Prior to ordination I gained experience in Business Development in the rail industry in the UK. Growing up in the Church of England I have sat on numerous committees, including Diocesan Environmental Committee, Deanery Synod and Finance Committee in the parish. I am excited to build relationships across the Diocese of New Westminster and share perspectives for growing healthy, vibrant, relevant churches.
The Reverend Georgina Harris Ordained – 10 years Member of Diocesan Council – 3 years Clergy Conference organizing committee.
Vancouver The Reverend Richard Leggett • Rector of St. Faith’s 2011 to the present • Regional Dean of Granville 2013 to the present • Diocesan Council 2015 to 2017 • Chair of Assessment Task Force 2015 to 2017 • Financial Sustainability Working Group 2015 to 2017
The Reverend Alex Wilson Vicar of St. Anselm’s, Deaconed 2015, Priested 2016. Trained at Trinity College, Toronto; sat on a number of Student Advisory Boards. Worked with Canadian Council of Churches to deliver a conference “Our Whole Society” in March 2015. Completed an honours thesis under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, General Secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches – focused on Anglican polity in the modern world. Former member of Diocesan Council and Alternate Rep. to Provincial Synod.
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Westminster
Youth Representatives to Diocesan Council (two to be elec ted)
The Board of Discipline Clergy Members of the Board of Discipline (three priests to be elected) The Reverend Heidi Brear 11 years as a priest in the Diocese of New Westminster.
The Reverend Liz Ruder -Celiz • Ordained since 2005 • Rector of Valhalla Parish – Diocese of Kootney • Continuing Education Committee – Diocese of Kootney • Coordinator – Diocesan Confirmation Day • Interim Priest – St. John’s, Shaughnessy • North Vancouver Regional Youth Coordinator • Assistant Priest of St. Mary’s, Kerrisdale.
Lay Members of the Board of Discipline (three to be elected) Margaret Briscall Margaret Briscall is a lifelong Anglican who is currently a member of St. Mary’s, Kerrisdale where she has served in a number of positions over the years, including four years as a Warden. In the Diocese she has most recently served as Lay Secretary of Synod, Deanery representative on Diocesan Council and as a member of the Ordained Ministry Division, the Grants and Loans Committee and the Bishop’s Advisory Committee on Appointments. She is a member of the Cathedral Chapter. At the 2015 Synod she was re-elected as a Lay Administrator of the Anglican Initiatives Fund and a member of the Board of Discipline. Margaret received the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster in 2010.
Phil Colvin Phil Colvin has worked in the Diocese of New Westminster since 2006. For seven years he ministered with young people and their leaders across British Columbia as Youth Director at St. Francis-in-the-Wood, West Vancouver and as the Diocesan Coordinator of Youth Ministry Initiatives. From 2009-13 he co-facilitated the Leadership, Experience and Adventure Program at Sorrento Retreat and Conference Centre, equipping young people for leadership roles across the Church. Since 2014 he has worked as an Administrative Assistant at the Synod Office, and holds a Certificate in Human Resources Management from Simon Fraser University. Phil is a member of the Personnel Committee for Sorrento Centre and is a member of the Diocesan Consultant’s Network specializing in human resources for parishes.
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The Bishop’s Advisory Committee on Appointme nts Clergy Member s (three to be elected) The Reverend Larry Adkins • Ordained by Bishop Michael Ingham in June 2005. • Have served as Deacon at St. John the Baptist, Sardis for the past 12 years. • Held a position on Diocesan Council for two years representing the Valley Deanery. • Held a position on the Cathedral Chapter for two years representing the Valley Deanery.
The Reverend Richard Leggett • Rector of St. Faith’s 2011 to the present • Regional Dean of Granville 2013 to the present • Diocesan Council 2015 to 2017 • Clergy Mentor 2014 to the present • VST Faculty 1987 to 2010 • Coordinator of Diaconal Formation 2002 to 2015 • MAP mentor 2009 to 2010
The Reverend Sharon Salomons Ordained in 2002. Served at St. Philip’s and All Saints Mission. Currently at St. Catherine, Capilano as Assistant Interim Priest. Also serves as Director of Diaconal Formation.
Lay Member s (three to be elected)
Anglican Initiatives Fund Clerical Administrator (one to be elected) The Reverend Christine Rowe Ordained 1986. Served in parish, hospital and prison ministry in the UK until 2000. In the Diocese of New Westminster since 2000: Rector of St. Thomas, Vancouver; St. Catherine, Capilano. Currently Associate Priest at St. Mary’s, Kerrisdale. Regional Dean in 4 deaneries. Archdeacon of Burrard 2004-2006. Member of the Ministry and Congregational Development Committee for 8 years. I care passionately about the mission and ministry of the Church and how this is lived out in our Diocese through vision, courageous decisions and sound financial management.
Lay Administrator (one to be elected) Margaret Briscall Margaret Briscall is a lifelong Anglican who is currently a member of St. Mary’s, Kerrisdale where she has served in a number of positions over the years, including four years as a Warden. In the Diocese she has most recently served as Lay Secretary of Synod, Deanery representative on Diocesan Council and as a member of the Ordained Ministry Division, the Grants and Loans 85 Synod Convening Circular 2017
Committee and the Bishop’s Advisory Committee on Appointments. She is a member of the Cathedral Chapter. At the 2015 Synod she was re-elected as a Lay Administrator of the Anglican Initiatives Fund and a member of the Board of Discipline. Margaret received the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster in 2010.
Pro vincial Synod Clerical Delegates (two to be elected) The Reverend Liz Hamel • Curate at St. John Shaughnessy for 1 year. • Ordained to priesthood; June, 2016 • Ordained to diaconate; June, 2014 • Deacon at Christ Church Cathedral; 2014 – 2016 • Anglican Chaplain at Vancouver General Hospital; Feb 2015 – Feb 2017 • MA Theological Studies 2014 (VST) • M.Div completion date Dec 2017 (VST) • B. Mus. UBC (1989) • B.N. Dalhousie (1981)
The Reverend Marnie Peterson • Ordained to the Priesthood for 11 years. • Trainer in the Diocesan School for Parish Development for 6 years. • Director of the Diocesan School for Parish Development for 2 years. • Priest at Christ Church Cathedral. • Founding Priest of St. Brigid, an affirming congregation for LGBTQ+ community.
The Reverend Robin Celiz • 2014-Current: Vicar of St. Martin’s North Vancouver. • 2015-Current: Diocesan Chair: Ecumenical & Multi Faith Unit, Diocese of New Westminster. • 2015-Current: Diocesan Parish Development Grants Team, Diocese of New Westminster. • Oct. 2014: Came to Diocese of New Westminster from the Diocese of Kootenay. • 2012-2014: Diocesan Court (equiv. to Board of Discipline), Diocese of Kootenay. • 2012-2014: Member of Diocesan Steering Committee for Together in Mission (Diocesan Stewardship/Capital Campaign), Diocese of Kootenay. • 2009-2011: Diocesan Chair for Continuing Education Committee, Diocese of Kootenay.
Lay Delegates (three to be elected)
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General Synod Clerical Delegates (three to be elected) The Venerable Douglas Fenton • Executive Archdeacon since January 2013 • Director of Mission and Ministry Development – 2011 - 2013 • 2002 – 2011 – Presiding Bishop’s staff at the Episcopal Church Centre, New York as officer for young adult and campus ministry (18 – 30 age group) • Priest in the Diocese of Keewatin, Rupert’s Land, New Westminster (St. James; St. Catherine, Port Coquitlam) and New York. • General Synod member 1986, 1995, 2016 • Currently a member of Faith, Worship and Ministry Coordinating Committee of General Synod. • Initiated creation of Diocesan School for Parish Development and Anti-Racism training. • Métis from Northwestern Ontario • Former national board member – Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund • Founding member of The Coming Home Society and Young Wolves Lodge, a recovery house for young aboriginal women. • Awarded Doctor of Divinity in 2014 by St. John’s College, Winnipeg in recognition for his work with the Indigenous community, young adults and anti-racism education.
The Reverend Liz Hamel • Curate at St. John Shaughnessy for 1 year. • Ordained to priesthood; June, 2016 • Ordained to diaconate; June, 2014 • Deacon at Christ Church Cathedral; 2014 – 2016 • Anglican Chaplain at Vancouver General Hospital; Feb 2015 – Feb 2017 • MA Theological Studies 2014 (VST) • M.Div completion date Dec 2017 (VST) • B. Mus. UBC (1989) • B.N. Dalhousie (1981)
The Reverend Lynne McNaughton • Priest in the Diocese of New Westminster since 1987 • Taught Anglican Formation at VST from 1995-2008 • Priest at St. Clement, North Vancouver from 2008 – present. • General Synod 2010, 2013, 2016. • Council of General Synod (CoGS) two term rep. from BC / Yukon • Currently Deputy Prolocutor, elected at General Synod 2016. • Anglican co-chair, Dialogue Anglican Church of Canada and United Church of Canada.
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The Reverend Marnie Peterson • Ordained to the Priesthood for 11 years. • Trainer in the Diocesan School for Parish Development for 6 years. • Director of the Diocesan School for Parish Development for 2 years. • Priest at Christ Church Cathedral. • Founding Priest of St. Brigid, an affirming congregation for LGBTQ+ community.
The Reverend Karen Saunders • Deacon at St. George’s, Fort Langley for 5 years. • Examining Chaplains. • Education for Ministry montor for 5 years. • Messy Church co-ordinator. • Former Treasurer, Warden & Secretary at St. George’s. • Chair of fundraising committee.
The Reverend Alex Wilson Vicar of St. Anselm’s, Deaconed 2015, Priested 2016. Trained at Trinity College, Toronto; sat on a number of Student Advisory Boards. Worked with Canadian Council of Churches to deliver a conference “Our Whole Society” in March 2015. Completed an honours thesis under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, General Secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches – focused on Anglican polity in the modern world. Former member of Diocesan Council and Alternate Rep. to Provincial Synod.
Lay Delegates (three to be elected)
Youth Delegate (one to be elected)
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